In 1942-43 Allis-Chalmers Mfg Co. launched its Farm Commando program. Two-day mechanical training courses were conducted by local A-C dealerships. The classes were meant to help farmers and mechanics learn the basics of caring for tractors, All-Crop combines, and implements. The classes were a war-effort plan to boost food production and help the Allies win the war.… Continue reading Allis-Chalmers Farm Commando
Tag: Allis
“Two Million Dollar Expansion”
WE of Allis-Chalmers. September 7, 1947. Pgs 2-4 "Two Million Dollar Expansion Begins at Pittsburgh Works" Groundbreaking ceremonies in July for the new Columbus Plant at Pittsburgh Works officially opened a two million dollar expansion program there. The plan, which was announced by A-C President Walter Geist at the Board of Directors meeting in Pittsburgh in… Continue reading “Two Million Dollar Expansion”
Allis-Chalmers Equipment Literature
Antique Farming's website has some great history on farm equipment manufacturers. They also have a selection of old literature, and here is what they have on Allis-Chalmers.
The Allis-Chalmers History Museum
I recently graduated from UW-Oshkosh with a degree in history, but landing a career in history right out of undergrad school is not easy. I am looking at pursuing a master's degree in public history in the near future. UW-Milwaukee has a public history program that I am very interested in, and that is the… Continue reading The Allis-Chalmers History Museum
The Forgotten Allis-Chalmers Lift Latch
In an earlier blog post I explored the history of the Snap-Coupler hitching mechanism equipped on Allis-Chalmers tractors. While conducting that research I discovered that two Allis-Chalmers engineers designed implement latching systems for tractors. The chief engineer at the La Crosse Works, Willard Tanke, submitted the design trademarked Snap-Coupler. However, another design was patented but… Continue reading The Forgotten Allis-Chalmers Lift Latch
Allis-Chalmers Patent Archive
-New Page - I am starting a BIG project that involves researching, sorting, and cataloging Allis-Chalmers patents. Most of these documents are already online, but it takes some intense searching to find them. It is not as easy as typing in "Roto-Baler" and having all of those patents appear. There are a lot of great… Continue reading Allis-Chalmers Patent Archive
Pride of Machinery Hall
The 1893 World's Columbian Exposition was a celebration of the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the New World, and the achievement of a city. Countries all over the world, businesses across the United States, and inventions were among the featured showcases at the exposition. Among the showcased industrial firms was the Edward P. Allis Company of Milwaukee,… Continue reading Pride of Machinery Hall
Roto-Baler Serial Numbers & Production
For those of you who own a Roto-Baler, do you want to know what year your machine was made? First, you need to locate the serial number on your baler. If you have a manual for the machine, it tells you where to find the number. For those of you who don't have the manual,… Continue reading Roto-Baler Serial Numbers & Production
Roto-Baler Safety
The Allis-Chalmers Roto-Baler is arguably one of the most complex farm machines ever devised. The machine was ahead of its time, and the company advertised it as the "turning point in hay history." Although the Roto-Baler was a revolutionary farm machine in its day, there were and still are dangers in operating this baler. I… Continue reading Roto-Baler Safety
Allis-Chalmers: Story of Man and Food #4
No 4. Science Aids the Farmer
The Weekend Historian 