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-plow tractor, not a modern utility-tractor substitute.
Allis-Chalmers B specifications
| Production years | 1938-1957 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.9L or 2.1L four-cylinder gasoline, 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. | 2,060 lb |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| 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 plowing. 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 gasoline 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 tire 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. Values and prices of used tractors vary by condition and region. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.