Allis-Chalmers introduced its “D” series tractors in 1957, starting with the D-14 and D-17. In 1959 the company added the D-10 and D-12 tractors to the line-up, essentially replacing the model “CA” and “B” tractors. The D-10 and D-12 were identical in size and horsepower (about 30 hp), the only difference was wheel spacing. The D-10 was designed for one-row cultivation, while the D-12 had adjustable wheels and axles for two-row cultivation. Both tractors were also available in high-clearance models. The Allis-Chalmers patented Snap-Coupler hitching system came standard, but the 3 point hitch was an option. Production of the two tractors ran from 1959 to 1968, and the company produced just over 9,000 tractors. Allis-Chalmers improved and modified the tractors during the 9 years they were built, which was designated by three separate production series. Here are some of the identifying and mechanical features.
Series I
(1959-1963)
Serial #s
D-10: 1001-4511
D-12: 1001-3638
Paint Schemes: Persian Orange 1 body, silver grill with black bars, silver rims [Prior to Serial No. 1950] / Persian Orange 2 body, cream grill & wheel dishes, silver rims [Serial
Hydraulics [two types]: piston-type pump (PTO driven) or gear-type (engine driven)
Engine: 4 cylinder AC Power-Crater (138.7 ci). Displacement was increased to 149 ci in 1961 with serial number 3501
Transmission: 4 speed
Lights: grill mounted
Hitch: Snap-Coupler or non-draft-sensitive 3pt hitch ( draft-sensitive 3pt introduced in 1961)
Series II
(1963-1964)
Serial #s
D-10: 6801-7850
D-12: 5501-6144
Paint Schemes: Persian Orange 2 body, cream grill & wheel dishes, silver rims, “Series II” designation on the decal
Hydraulics: Gear-type (Live)
Independent, gear-type PTO
Engine: 4 cylinder AC Power-Crater (149 ci)
Lights: grill mounted
Transmission: 4 speed
Hitch: Snap-Coupler or draft-sensitive 3pt hitch
Series III
(1964-1968)
Serial #s
D-10: 9001-10100
D-12: 9001-10172
Paint Schemes: Persian Orange 2 body, cream grill & wheel dishes, aluminum rims,” Series III” designation on the decal
Hydraulics: Gear-type (Live)
Independent, gear-type PTO
Engine: 4 cylinder AC Power-Crater (149 ci)
Lights: Fender mounted
Transmission: 4 speed or optional 8 speed (high & low range)
Hitch: Snap-Coupler or draft-sensitive 3pt hitch
Misc: Oval muffler
Austin M. Frederick 
Serial Number range for D10 Series III is not correct. I have D10 #9631
Just fixed it! Thanks for the heads up. I accidentally put the ending serial # for the year 1964! 😛
i got a 65 d12 series III s/n 9131 , i plan to do a complete rebuild this winter , thanks for all the information Austion !
You bet!
We are an antique tractor club that restores (fixes up) a vintage tractor every year for a raffle–proceeds go to scholarship fund. This year is our 25th–so we wanted to do a special tractor. We bought a decent little D10-serial # 4208–and we need the grill–the one we have is homemade and REALLY ugly! Do you have any suggestions where we might fond one? We’ve tried all the normal internet sources—- Thanks!
Bruce,
You can try posting on the AllisChalmers.com forum. Or if you have a good machinist you can get the pattern that http://agrimsontool.com/ac.htm has and make one from scratch. Hope this helps.
Austin
Thanks for this great information. I grew up driving an early D10 on the family farm, and I recently purchased a 1961. I was surprised to find that it has a belt pulley on it. I’ve never seen a belt pulley on a D10. Do you know anything about how common (or rare) they were?