Allis-Chalmers B Tractor
The Allis-Chalmers B is a light, simple two-wheel-drive row-crop tractor best suited to small-acreage work and period-correct collecting. Its narrow, offset layout and modest tested drawbar output make it a capable one-bottom-plough tractor, not a modern utility-tractor substitute.
Allis-Chalmers B specifications
| Production years | 1938-1957 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.9L or 2.1L four-cylinder petrol, depending on version |
| Power | 19.51 hp tested drawbar; 22.25 hp tested belt |
| Transmission | 3-speed unsynchronized gear |
| Drive | Two-wheel drive |
| Weight, approx. | 935 kg |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Rear PTO | Transmission-driven, 560 rpm |
What the B is used for
The B was designed for small farms and is well matched to light cultivation, mowing, hauling, and one-bottom ploughing. Its compact proportions and offset operator position were intended to give the driver a clear view of row crops.
Today, it is most practical for parade, show, light property, and hobby-farm work. A PTO implement will stop when the tractor clutch is disengaged because the PTO is transmission-driven.
Why the Allis-Chalmers B stands out
The B is one of Allis-Chalmers' most recognizable small tractors, with more than 120,000 built. It combines a basic petrol engine, three-speed gearbox, mechanical brakes, and a low 2,060-pound operating weight in a straightforward pre-war and post-war farm tractor design.
Buying a used Allis-Chalmers B
Check the transmission case around the shifter, steering and front-axle wear, brake operation, rear tyre condition, and whether the PTO and Snap-Coupler components are present and usable. Verify the serial number on top of the transmission case by the shift lever; English-built examples use an EB prefix and industrial versions are IB models.
Allis-Chalmers B frequently asked questions
How much power does an Allis-Chalmers B have?
Nebraska testing listed 19.51 hp at the drawbar and 22.25 hp at the belt.
Does the Allis-Chalmers B have live PTO?
No. Its 560-rpm rear PTO is transmission-driven.
What years was the Allis-Chalmers B built?
It was produced from 1938 through 1957.
Specifications are commonly cited figures for general reference; exact figures vary by year and serial number, so confirm against TractorData.com and the machine's records. Used tractor values vary by condition and region. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.