Getting to know my D21
Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Farm Equipment
Forum Description: everything about Allis-Chalmers farm equipment
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=210133
Printed Date: 20 Feb 2026 at 1:18pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Getting to know my D21
Posted By: whatscooking
Subject: Getting to know my D21
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2026 at 4:18am
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Very recently purchased a D21. We had a new 7060 on the farm so I have been around a 426, not quite the same i know. When the tractor was delivered early on a frosty morning I discovered what I thought no manifold heater, was afraid it wasn't going to start. Cranked her over just a little smoke was rolling. I was concerned about the batteries giving out so my brother grabbed a either can and gave a very small whiff and she fired right up,whew. Subsequent morning's she starts without either and surprising quick. Yesterday as soon as I hit the button it was running and idiling smoothly. I went to the blowby tube with the engine half throttle couldn't see or feel anything. I have overhauled many 435,465 and Spicer five speed transmissions, I know not the same. I can feel in the lever going into gear,smooth gear contact then going further into gear like a freshly overhauled transmission with new gears should. I have a very steep county road hill that I have been up and down in every gear hi and low without any indication it wants to jump out and just as important no nasty sounds from the rear end. The seller wasn't quite so honest when I asked specific questions. One thing that really stands out I asked if the spindles were welded, no he said, guess what welded and there is a lean so I hope I can grind the weld off and get in there and rebush. Also what really gets me the left brake pedal goes to the floor and park brake is bound. Discovered the linkage rusted and broken tip laying in the cavity along with bound up linkage going to the left brake. I was raised to be honest. I have learned throughout my life it doesn't bother most people to bold face lie. Always gave older people respect but have found out some are just better at telling lies. |
Replies:
Posted By: Allis dave
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2026 at 5:27am
| You may have a few issues, but it sounds like you have a nice tractor. Good luck and enjoy your new D21. |
Posted By: darrel in ND
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2026 at 6:08am
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Sounds like a win to me. The brakes shouldn't be that hard to repair. Spindle; I think should be pretty straightforward. Good luck with it! Darrel |
Posted By: RedHeeler79
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2026 at 6:54am
| It’s way too common for sellers to bend the truth or flat out lie about the machine they want to be rid of. It’s also pretty unrealistic to expect a machine that’s somewhere in the 50-70 year old range (or even older) to be free of all problems, even if appearing to be completely restored. Unfortunately, most of us have been burned to some degree or another on tractor deals. It sounds like you got a really solid, nice tractor bought, for the most part. Enjoy the ownership experience! |
Posted By: IBWD MIke
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2026 at 6:58am
| Welded spindles is a huge red flag to me when tractor shopping! There is a lot of high-alloy steels in a tractor, or implement. There is a lot more to a good weld repair than just crank up the old buzz-box and hit 'er with some 6013! Not to mention that we can not remove the steering arm now to work on anything else..... |
Posted By: whatscooking
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2026 at 9:10am
This is what gets me. The listing said EVERYTHING WORKS along with other commets made assuring me it was worth the risk. I guess just becuase I can lay my head down at night with a clear conscience I shouldn't expect other's to do so. |
RedHeeler79 wrote:Posted By: RedHeeler79
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2026 at 9:33am
| I hear you. That really bugs me about people too. Honesty is the best policy. Some people think that as long as a machine, truck, etc starts, runs, and stops… there’s “nothing wrong with it”. Most who pay attention to mechanical conditions realize that there’s always something needing fixed, and sellers should know this too. Some are oblivious, some are dishonest… etc, etc. |
Posted By: whatscooking
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2026 at 9:38am
I have a picture of the tractor sitting in a building with at least 10+ Immaculate John Deere tractors, he knows very well and him drive the Allis onto a trailer unable to lock the brakes and ship it that way. |
Posted By: steve(ill)
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2026 at 9:44am
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yea he stretched the truth..... but i would look at the BIG PICTURE.. Engine / transmission / power train all run GREAT.... Brakes and steering a few problems.. Those are more minor in my book..... Take the WIN ! ------------- Like them all, but love the "B"s. |
Posted By: DSeries4
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2026 at 11:26am
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The problems you have are minor in nature when dealing with a D21. They can be fixed rather easily relatively speaking. As long as the power train is in good shape and the sheet metal is not all banged up, you got a decent tractor. I already did the brakes and spindles on my D21. Not uncommon for a big 50+ year old tractor that often did hard work. Heck, I just had to have new spindles made for my D15 last week. The bushings were fine, but the spindles were worn. Welcome to the world of old tractors. If you don't like fixing them, you can buy a new Deere of CaseIH for far more money. ------------- '49 G, '54 WD45, '55 CA, '56 WD45D, '57 WD45, '58 D14, '59 D14, '60 D14, '63 D15D, '66 D15II, '66 D21II, '67 D17IV, '67 D17IVD, '67 190XTD, '73 620, '76 185, '77 175, '84 8030, '85 6080 |