Allis-Chalmers U Specs ( 1929-1952 )
Overview
The Allis-Chalmers Model U is a versatile standard-tread farm tractor produced in West Allis, Wisconsin, with over 19,000 units built between 1929 and 1952. It offers significant power for its era, featuring engine options up to 5.2L and delivering a tested drawbar performance of up to 30.37 hp.
Ideal Applications
Heavy Plowing:
With a rated capacity for three 14-inch plows and a maximum pull of 3,679 lbs recorded in Nebraska Test 170, this tractor is well-suited for primary tillage operations.
Stationary Belt Work:
The Model U provides reliable power for belt-driven machinery, achieving a maximum tested belt power of 35.04 hp to handle various farm processing tasks.
Row-Crop and Standard Farming:
Available in both standard and UC row-crop variants, this tractor offers flexibility for different field layouts, supported by 3-speed or 4-speed transmissions depending on the tire configuration.
Production
| Description | Standard-tread tractor / Built in West Allis, Wisconsin, USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Allis Chalmers |
| Total built | 19,009 |
Engine
| Engine type | Continental 4.6L 4-cyl gasoline / Waukesha 4.9L 4-cyl gasoline / Allis-Chalmers 5.2L 4-cyl gasoline |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank | 24 gal (90.8 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.25x5.00 inches (108 x 127 mm) / 4.375x5.00 inches (111 x 127 mm) / 4.50x5.00 inches (114 x 127 mm) |
| Coolant capacity | 20 qts (18.9 L) |
| Description | Continental / gasoline / 4-cylinder / liquid-cooled / Waukesha UM / gasoline / 4-cylinder / liquid-cooled / The UM engine was used beginning in 1932, tractor serial number 7405. / Allis-Chalmers UM / gasoline / 4-cylinder / liquid-cooled / Final engine, available in 1936 (SN 12001) |
| Displacement | 283.7 ci (4.6 L) / 300.7 ci (4.9 L) / 318 ci (5.2 L) |
| Rated RPM | 1200 / 1200 / 1200 |
| Engine type | Continental 4.6L 4-cyl gasoline / Waukesha 4.9L 4-cyl gasoline / Allis-Chalmers 5.2L 4-cyl gasoline |
| Belt (claimed) | 31 hp (23.1 kW) |
| Belt (tested) | 35.04 hp (26.1 kW) |
| Drawbar (claimed) | 20 hp (14.9 kW) |
| Drawbar (tested) | 30.37 hp (22.6 kW) |
| Plows | 3 (14-inch) |
Transmission
| Description | The four-speed transmission was offered on tractors equipped with rubber tires. |
|---|---|
| Gears | 3 forward and 1 reverse / 4 forward and 1 reverse |
| Transmission type | 3-speed / 4-speed |
| Transmission type | 3-speed / 4-speed |
Mechanical
| Drive type | Two-wheel drive |
|---|
Dimensions & Tires
| Ag front | 28x6 steel / 6.00x16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 42x11 steel / 12.75x24 |
| Height | 53.5 inches (135 cm) |
| Length | 118.5 inches (300 cm) |
| Weight | 4,600 lbs (2086 kg) |
| Width | 63.1 inches (160 cm) |
| Front tire | 28x6 |
| Rear tire | 42x11 |
| Weight | 4,600 lbs (2086 kg) |
Nebraska Tractor Test 170
| Belt fuel use (max) | 4.2 gal/hour (15.9 l/hour) |
|---|---|
| Belt power (max) | 35.04 hp (26.1 kW) |
| Description | Contintental 3-speed 2WDOctober 21 - November 7, 1929Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 170 file / Drawbar performance / Gear 1 used for power test. / Gear 1 used for pull test. |
| Max power | 25.63 hp (19.1 kW) |
| Max pull | 3,679 lbs (1668 kg) |
Nebraska Tractor Test 237
| Belt fuel use (max) | 4.1 gal/hour (15.5 l/hour) / 4.1 gal/hour (15.5 l/hour) |
|---|---|
| Belt power (max) | 34.12 hp (25.4 kW) / 34.12 hp (25.4 kW) |
| Description | Waukesha 300 3-speed 2WD steel wheelsJuly 15 - August 5, 1935Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 237 file / Drawbar performance / Gear 2 used for power test. / Gear 1 used for pull test. / Waukesha 300 3-speed 2WD rubber wheelsJuly 15 - August 5, 1935Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 237 file / Drawbar performance / Gear 4 used for power test. / Gear 2 used for pull test. |
| Max power | 23.83 hp (17.8 kW) / 30.37 hp (22.6 kW) |
| Max pull | 3,428 lbs (1554 kg) / 2,452 lbs (1112 kg) |
Tractor Tests
| Description | NTTL 170: Contintental 3-speed 2WD / NTTL 237: Waukesha 300 3-speed 2WD steel wheels / NTTL 237: Waukesha 300 3-speed 2WD rubber wheels |
|---|
U Serial Numbers
| 1929 | 1 |
|---|---|
| 1930 | 1975 |
| 1931 | 6554 |
| 1932 | 7262 |
| 1933 | 7419 |
| 1934 | 7685 |
| 1935 | 8063 |
| 1936 | 9471 |
| 1937 | 12822 |
| 1938 | 14855 |
| 1939 | 15587 |
| 1940 | 16078 |
| 1941 | 16722 |
| 1942 | 17137 |
| 1943 | 17470 |
| 1944 | 17802 |
| 1945 | -unknown- |
| 1946 | -unknown- |
| 1947 | 18309, 20174 |
| 1948 | 18613, 20179, 21000 |
| 1949 | 20301, 210036, 22018 |
| 1950 | 20422, 22024 |
| Description | FAQ: How to read a serial number table. |
| Location: | Rear of differential, near PTO |
Variants
| U | standard |
|---|---|
| UC | row-crop |