Allis Chalmers Modell-U
Built: 1929–1952 · Series: Baureihe-U
More machines from model year 1929
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Allis-Chalmers U and UC – the first US production tractor on pneumatic tyres from 1932: four-cylinder petrol/kerosene engines from Milwaukee, 18.6 to 19.1 kW, 2,187 to 2,706 kg
Allis-Chalmers was formed in 1901 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from the merger of several machine-building firms and built its farm tractors at the West Allis works. The U model reached the market in 1929 and stayed in the line-up until 1952; in 1932 Allis-Chalmers became the first US maker to fit it with pneumatic tyres as standard, after trials with racing drivers on a bicycle track had proven their advantage over steel wheels. UC denotes the narrow-tread version with a tighter front axle for row-crop work, while U carries the standard tread. Both were powered by a side-valve four-cylinder that could run on petrol or tractor kerosene – a dual arrangement typical of the period, allowing continuous work on the cheaper but harder-to-ignite fuel.
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The register lists here 2 versions with 18.6 to 19.1 kW from four-cylinders of 4,649 to 4,654 cm³ at 1,200 rpm, unladen weights from 2,187 to 2,706 kg, lengths from 3,019 to 3,178 mm, widths from 1,321 to 1,753 mm and heights from 1,365 to 1,718 mm.
The U marked Allis-Chalmers' entry into the mass market for farm tractors and competed directly with John Deere, International Harvester and Case; the whole industry's switch to pneumatic tyres during the 1930s owes much to this model's success. The narrow UC additionally opened up customers in row-crop maize and cotton farming, where the narrow front axle could run between the plant rows.
Buying one of these early models used, the state of the cylinder head and valves matters most, since switching between petrol and kerosene strains the engine more than running on petrol alone; check the cooling system, crankshaft bearings and gearbox gears for wear and play. Spare parts are scarce and run almost exclusively through specialist vintage-tractor dealers and clubs for historic Allis-Chalmers machines; original-size tyres and carburettor parts are among the hardest components to find.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Allis-Chalmers Baureihe U
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | Benzin/Petroleumcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 26 hp (19.1 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 1,200 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 4correct |
| Displacement | 4,654 cm³correct |
| Bore | 108 mmcorrect |
| Stroke | 127 mmcorrect |
| Cooling | water-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 3,019 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,321 mmcorrect |
| Height | 1,365 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 2,187 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 3 V/1 R or 4 V/1 Rcorrect |
| Forward gears | 4correct |
| Reverse gears | 1correct |
| Front tyres | 711 x 152correct |
| Rear tyres | 1.067 x 283correct |
| Top speed | 8 km/hcorrect |
Working data
| Fuel tank capacity | 104.6 lcorrect |
|---|
Origin and approval
| Construction | frame constructioncorrect |
|---|---|
| Units built | 20,400correct |
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 8.7 kW/t (19 kW / 2.2 t)
Power class: Compact (< 40 hp)
Stronger than 14% of the tractors in the register — out of 15,663 models with a stated power figure.
Calculated from the documented figures above — not a rating.
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the Allis Chalmers Modell-U have?
The Allis Chalmers Modell-U delivers 26 hp.
How much does the Allis Chalmers Modell-U weigh?
The unladen weight is 2,187 kg.
What engine does the Allis Chalmers Modell-U have?
4 cylinders, 4,654 cm³ displacement, Benzin/Petroleum.
How fast does the Allis Chalmers Modell-U go?
Top speed is 8 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the Allis Chalmers Modell-U?
3,019 mm × 1,321 mm × 1,365 mm.
When was the Allis Chalmers Modell-U built?
Production years: 1929–1952.
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Check the weights in the papers against the figures here — attachments change them.
- Check front and rear tyre sizes: mismatched pairs strain the drivetrain.
- Shift the gearbox cold and warm — jumps only show up at temperature.
- Load the hydraulics and watch for sag.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
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This page carries 23 individual figures for this model. They come from 1 recorded source; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
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Other models in this series
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