Antique Tractors Forum

tarquj_nuff · Posted: Mon May 17, 2010 2:22 pm Post subject: AC Dozer and Cat 955

Well, I didn't have any luck on the Allis-Chalmers section, so I'll post here.
I'm new to the AC world, I have a few questions about identifying a dozer I’m looking at.
A friend of mine has an old 50s? Vintage cable-lift dozer, Detroit 6cyl, reasonable undercarriage. He wants to scrap it, but it runs and drives, need left side brakes. You have to back it up and pull the right brake to turn left.
Anyway, I think its worth getting for my own use. Any idea about model? What about parts availability?
I think its like Allis Chalmers HD15A dozer. I had a chance to take some pics last week.

He also has this Cat 955. Pony engine runs and turns the diesel, but there doesn't appear to be enough compression in all cylinders to fire it. We could start it by pulling it, more rpm than the pony engine. It had a skip when it ran before. I’m thinking it’s a stuck valve. A little head work would probably get it going strong again. Any ideas on vintage and parts availability on this one too?

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Jeff T
1969 Nuffield 4/65
Actively pursuing MFWD 4/65
1991 Cat E200B
1955? Cat 955

AC 1 · Posted: Mon May 17, 2010 9:02 pm Post subject:

By what I can see from your pics, I would say the dozer is an Allis HD20.
What type of transmission does it have ? How many speeds ? Torque convertor ? Look for a serial no. tag attached to the dash or numbers stamped into the diff housing, upper top left when facing from the rear of the crawler.

Its appearance suggests its far too good to scrap but that would depend on its mechanicals. Personally I don't think enough Allis crawlers are being kept and restored but do understand the logistics in transporting such large machines.

As for parts, most GM parts will be available and there used to be a firm called Clapp (?) Bros who specialised in Allis crawlers. If I can find their contact details, I'll post them.

A few facts about the HD20. A 6 cylinder GM engine (6-110) rated at 118hp at 1700 revs. Torque Convertor transmission of 2F and 1R. Bare weight of 42,625lb.
Hope this helps.
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My collection
20 plus Allis wheel tractors and
4 Allis crawlers

utility man · Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 12:27 am Post subject:

Hey Ya'll
I don't know for sure. I have an AC HD 9 and I know that's bigger. My first thought is its an HD 11 (which has a 6 cyl in it). On my AC the ID tag sits on the dash right between your feet when you're sitting in it. Seems to me the 11's I've seen had similar shape to that one but who can be sure.
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My Daddy taught me what to do, My Momma taught me who to be.

Crane Man · Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 1:30 am Post subject:

I think it's a HD-18M, I included a website that has parts for your tractor.

http://www.tractorparts.com/allis_chalmers.htm

AC 1 · Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 1:46 am Post subject:

[quote="Crane Man"]I think it's a HD-18M,[/quote]

Allis Chalmers didn't make a model HD18 amd the HD11 didn't use a GM engine.
_________________
My collection
20 plus Allis wheel tractors and
4 Allis crawlers

Crane Man · Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 2:45 am Post subject:

tarquj_nuff · Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 12:19 pm Post subject:

Thanks to all who replied.

I believe the Allis has a 6 cyl supercharged two stroke Detroit diesel. Is Detroit synonymous with GM? It has a torque converter, I’m not sure how many speeds and estimated weight was 45K, so sounds like a HD20. I'll check for positive id, plus the current owner probably knows more, I just haven't asked yet. I agree, it’s too good to scrap, but the guy has no real use for it anymore so I hope we can work something out. It does run and pushes like a beast. I don’t have a ton of work for it, but I have a few jobs where it would be very useful.

Any contact info for parts etc would be helpful, but I don’t think it needs a ton of parts as is. I know a guy with a low-bed who would move it, whether or not he has a wide-load permit is another question, but he’s not worried about it….. Wink

Any thoughts on diagnosis of the 955?

Thanks again!
_________________
Jeff T
1969 Nuffield 4/65
Actively pursuing MFWD 4/65
1991 Cat E200B
1955? Cat 955

ianoz · Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 9:38 pm Post subject:

HI , With the 955 ,Have you checked that the decompression lever is working properly and not stuck ? Try the antquie caterpillar machinery enthuisiests forum , or the antquie catterpillar owners club forum .. Ian .

tarquj_nuff · Posted: Wed May 19, 2010 1:52 pm Post subject:

Hi Ian,
Well, I would say that the diesel won’t turn without the compression release engaged, but maybe its sticking enough to not let close tightly all the way. Could it be a simple linkage problem, or is it something in the head that would be stuck? I’m not familiar with how it works. Does it hold valves open or does it open some other orifice in the compression chamber?
Thanks,
_________________
Jeff T
1969 Nuffield 4/65
Actively pursuing MFWD 4/65
1991 Cat E200B
1955? Cat 955

ianoz · Posted: Wed May 19, 2010 9:29 pm Post subject:

Hi Jeff T ,As far as i know the lever holds the valves open slightly . Because diesels are a commpression motor ,,it will not fire up on the low commpression .Our D47U would not fire up and in was the decommpression linkage . Ian .

ianoz · Posted: Wed May 19, 2010 9:30 pm Post subject:

Hi Jeff T ,As far as i know the lever holds the valves open slightly . Because diesels are a commpression motor ,,it will not fire up on the low commpression .Our D47U would not fire up and in was the decommpression linkage . Ian .

Ernie in KY · Posted: Thu May 20, 2010 2:49 am Post subject:

Detroit diesels were made by GM. I would love to hear that thing run, I bet it screams. Nothing sounds quite like a Detroit throttled up. Please don't let it get scrapped. I know there is a huge AC collector community out there, surely there are knowledgeable people that can help you out. As for the cat, there is a collectors club at http://www.acmoc.org/ maybe they have some parts sources. Keep us informed please Very Happy

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Ernie in KY

Farmall Super A
Ford 850
Case VAC
1967 Sears Custom 7

Equal Opportunity Collector

gemdozer · Posted: Thu May 20, 2010 10:22 am Post subject: 955

The 955 should be a serie 12a and ALLIS CHALMERS should a hd19
or hd20

tarquj_nuff · Posted: Mon May 24, 2010 12:11 pm Post subject:

Well, sad news today, the AC-HD20 is gone to scrap. I couldn't talk him out of it and I didn't have the $3300 to cover the scrap pay. It drove on and off the low-bed.
The 955, however, has been saved. I hope to get it moved home this weekend.
_________________
Jeff T
1969 Nuffield 4/65
Actively pursuing MFWD 4/65
1991 Cat E200B
1955? Cat 955

AC 1 · Posted: Mon May 24, 2010 7:34 pm Post subject:

[quote="tarquj_nuff"]Well, sad news today, the AC-HD20 is gone to scrap.[/quote]

The mentality of some owners. I'm NOT referring to you Jeff
_________________
My collection
20 plus Allis wheel tractors and
4 Allis crawlers