AC HD4 vs. 653 Power Steering
Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Construction and other equipment
Forum Description: everything else with orange (or yellow) paint
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=193714
Printed Date: 31 Oct 2025 at 12:11am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: AC HD4 vs. 653 Power Steering
Posted By: sresites
Subject: AC HD4 vs. 653 Power Steering
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2023 at 9:46pm
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New to this particular site. Been interested to learn more about AC & its history. Was looking at the HD4 & 653 power steering setup. Confused with the 653’s lack of power steering clutch levers.    
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Replies:
Posted By: orangeman
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2023 at 8:02am
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Power Steering or ""Foot steer" was optionally available at extra cost from the factory on the 650 series machines. The 1975 parts manual for the H-4 and HD4 machines - which had been out of production by that time - shows only steering levers - brake control with no hydraulic foot steering option. At one point, the Allis Chalmers Industrial Tractor Division released a kit to allow IT dealers or owners to convert a machine from hand levers to (hydraulic foot control). With the passage of 50 years it is plausible that on the HD4 (pictured above) that either the dealer or a customer obtained a conversion kit and installed it or converted it themselves. The latter is probably a long shot - but could be done. ~ Orangeman |
Posted By: sresites
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2023 at 8:10am
| Thank you. |
Posted By: Coke-in-MN
Date Posted: 27 Feb 2023 at 2:41pm
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When I had my HD4 with lever steer and also my HD5G with lever steer , the dang brake position of the HD4 always got my feet confused , also when adding in the decelerator pedal to the problem . As both brakes were next to each other you used your left foot for either brake and right foot for decelerator, then when you forgot or used right foot on brake , you had to use lever to stop and untangle your foot position. It seemed both hands and feet were always busy when working in some places . HD5G and even my HD5B seemed easier to run . Then I bought the FD5 and least it had 2 decelerators and the foot steer made it easy to use - also the power shift worked a lot better than just the fwd/rev lever as you had speed control also in the power shift . Sold the HD4 and kept the HD5G , sold the HD5B and replaces it with skid loader and then the FD5 dozer . My AC 715B TLB had more push power than the HD4 and actually easier to operate than the HD4
------------- Life lesson: If you’re being chased by a lion, you’re on a horse, to the left of you is a giraffe and on the right is a unicorn, what do you do? You stop drinking and get off the carousel. |
Posted By: Ages Cat
Date Posted: 27 Feb 2023 at 3:01pm
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I have pedal steer on my 655. Leaves hands free for transmission/reverser and bucket control. It was a great idea to utilizes that setup on these machines. ------------- Curt Anderson HD3, HD5B, HD6AG,HD6B dozer, I-400,615, 616,620,720,ACP25 lift truck, 1956 D Grader, AC 540 loader, AC #84 plow, Simplicity tractors, Agco MT225, Agco 2025, |
Posted By: orangeman
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2023 at 12:36pm
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Curt: If memory serves the foot steer setup was also available on the Caterpillar 900 series crawler loaders - 931, 933, 941 and 955 machines. Am wondering what manufacturer that Allis selected for the hydraulic cylinders for the foot controls. It seems like during the 60's and 70's Allis uses a lot of Cessna built controls. ~ Orangeman
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Posted By: Tracy Martin TN
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2023 at 5:17pm
------------- No greater gift than healthy grandkids! |
orangeman wrote:Posted By: sresites
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2023 at 5:51pm
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Posted By: sresites
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2023 at 6:05pm
I got hot on the trail looking got an HD4 or 653. But gave it up quickly when I found that parts are slim pickings. And getting this email this morning.  
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Posted By: orangeman
Date Posted: 28 Feb 2023 at 7:53pm
| Looks to be the standard reply from any of the Berco suppliers. ~ Orangeman |