1958 HD-5G into the fold:
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=209436
Printed Date: 04 Feb 2026 at 10:40pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: 1958 HD-5G into the fold:
Posted By: Codger
Subject: 1958 HD-5G into the fold:
Date Posted: 20 Dec 2025 at 4:49pm
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Widow is downsizing on retained possessions. I've known the tractor which is complete for a lot of years. However, it's not been ran in about six years. Engine is not frozen and I don't know about the steering clutches, but u/c appears to be in fair condition. It also has the bolt on grouser segments on top of the street pads. Story is the tractor was used to dig the basement to the house addition, and then put into the barn. There it remained not coming out till a couple of weeks ago to convert the parking space to a horse stall. I'll haul it home after the first of the year when insurances go into effect for my tractor and trailer. ------------- That's All Folks! |
Replies:
Posted By: Les Kerf
Date Posted: 20 Dec 2025 at 8:12pm
Sweet!  |
Posted By: Coke-in-MN
Date Posted: 20 Dec 2025 at 11:08pm
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Last of the HD5 machines was 1955 , If you find the Serial # on dash plate or on the rear casting it can confirm the year built Lot of small changes over years of production , improvements to loader frame are some along with the 2 speed reverse transmission . With the loader pads without single grouser I dug many basements, put in drives, loaded many trucks and leveled many yards . Bought mine in 1972 and still have it , a 1955 HD5G - had 3 others 5G machines I sold and 1 HD5B from 1948 to 1955 machines ------------- 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: SteveM C/IL
Date Posted: 21 Dec 2025 at 9:43pm
| Ahhhh the sound of that 2-71 Detroit..... |
Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2025 at 10:19am
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I'll be over there later today and look for a data plate. She thought it was a 1958 build and seemed pretty certain, but obviously there could be disparity. ------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Coke-in-MN
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2025 at 11:16am
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Age of build can make some differences but overall interchange of any needed parts stays the same . Track , undercarriage , even full rear housing and components were used on the HD6 machines . Loader differed as did engine , but then the HD6 had updates also so from early first machines to last produced a lot of changes , the HD5 over the years just had small ones . On the HD5G the big changes were in 2 speed reverse , 4 speed rather than 5speed , the loader frame front cross member going from box tube to round tube with welded brackets reinforcing round tube . pin length in upper fitment to loader frame ------------- 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: Codger
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2025 at 2:42pm
   All levers and handles operate smoothly with even spring tension behind them. She said it pulled very easy with the 4020 Deere tractor. I didn't sit in it so don't know about the transmission shifting but the hand clutch feels as it should. Drizzling out when the photos were taken and my phone shuts down on "humidity" constantly if out of the holder in this cool weather very long. I'm told the machine ran/operated well but was loud in a push...... ------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: DiyDave
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2025 at 3:33pm
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Some rather odd looking pads on the tracks, first time I've ever seen that. Any story behind it?
------------- Source: Babylon Bee. Sponsored by BRAWNDO, its got what you need! |
Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2025 at 7:12pm
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I've seen those pads in the past but been a lot of years ago. Few more photos:    Bucket cutting edge is broken out badly but I didn't snap a photo of it. ------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Coke-in-MN
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2025 at 10:17pm
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The Allis Chalmers HD5G with serial number 21073 was likely manufactured in 1954. The HD5 line was produced from 1946 to 1955, with a total of over 29,000 units built. ------------- 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: Coke-in-MN
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2025 at 10:21pm
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This is the counterweights on my HD5G - something I notice you are missing . Careful when using bucket as overloading machine without some counterweight will overload front idler axle and wheel bearings - Had 3 front idlers all with bent axles from machines I worked on and sold 
------------- 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: Coke-in-MN
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2025 at 10:29pm
HD5G 26784 1955 I bought it in 1972 and still have it  ------------- 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: Codger
Date Posted: 23 Dec 2025 at 4:38am
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Thanks Coke. No idea to any of this myself. Looks like it's been a long time, (if ever) this machine had counterweights installed. Those on your machine appear to be cast iron/steel composition. If the machine proves serviceable when it's back at the shop, I'll give it a good pressure washing and remove the tracks to evaluate u/c further, and fully. It looks fair setting there with plenty of adjustment left, and there was no mention of any track walking off, but I'd like to evaluate the front idlers, bearings, etc. before pressing it into any kind of service as it will be kept several miles distant from the shop. I did snap this but neglected to post earlier. No idea if it reveals anything to the discerning eye or not: 
------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: wjohn
Date Posted: 23 Dec 2025 at 7:42pm
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Are you planning on shoving it onto your trailer or trying to get it running where it sits? ------------- 1939 B, 1940 B, 1941 WC, 1951 WD, 1952 CA, 1956 WD-45 |
Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 25 Dec 2025 at 5:48pm
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Most likely I'll winch it up onto the trailer and use the shop gantry to install a 4D battery. Getting too old to hike those up onto my shoulder any longer..... Engine is not frozen as I can pull it around by hand. Hopefully no stuck injectors but will find out soon enough. ------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Coke-in-MN
Date Posted: 06 Jan 2026 at 11:25am
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I use a single 12V battery in mine , a 800 AH automotive battery , that I also use in pickkup snow plowing truck . Changed out starter to M42 late Delco starter with solonoid so have a key switch start now . Also changed out generator and now using 1OSI automotive alternator single wire hookup by changing front pulley that I machined to take a B width belt . One problem that shows up is sloppy shift lever when the internal parts on lever wear . it's a easy fix by replacing the side bolts in tower and the cross pin along with the round tube the pin and bolts fit into . ------------- 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: Codger
Date Posted: 07 Jan 2026 at 7:43pm
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I have both 4D, and 31 threaded posts at the shop. I swapped the 11B over to group 31 top post types as that engine readily fires in the coldest of weather. I agree the 10SI is the way to go and the types that pull in at 1000rpm seem to be pretty reliable. Have a couple of 2600 L-N that are fresh from the rebuild shop and not used, but that is a larger frame than the 10SI. I've not been back over there since Christmas Eve so don't know fitment requirements. Regardless, it will be converted to a one wire, (or self exciting) setup. Gear selector felt quite tight in the rails, and gates so hopefully won't require any work but you never know till it's operated.
------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Les Kerf
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2026 at 6:23am
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The 2-71 DD in my Son-in-law's HD5G has a twin belt drive; I removed the pulley from the generator and put it on a Delco one-wire 10SI alternator, then modified the mounting to suit. His gear shifter was quite sloppy, I posted a thread about rebuilding it several years ago.
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Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2026 at 7:15am
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Thanks guys. I should be over there this afternoon and I'll look a bit closer at the existing setup. Lost the alternator on my air compressor yesterday it seems as it won't pull in any longer. Napa supplied 10SI "one wire" setup that is about four years old. It has always been very slow to pull in but once engaged, seemed to work fine. ------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2026 at 7:48am
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Went ahead and picked up a low rpm pickup 10SI One wire 105A alternator from Amazon this morning. Ebay had the conversion sheave for a 3/4" drive belt so went ahead and ordered that also. Both offer free returns so no real risk.
------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Ray54
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2026 at 10:57am
| I did like Les and took the pully off the generator. It fit the Delco alienator with no modification. |
Posted By: Coke-in-MN
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2026 at 3:23pm
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I took the pulley from a alternator off a 70 series GMC that was double belt , then put in lathe and widened groves to accept the B width belts , so still running 2 belts ------------- 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: Codger
Date Posted: 09 Jan 2026 at 11:00am
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Was over there yesterday in the rain and the generator with two belts is still in place. Definitely B series belts so if that sheave will fit I'll reutilize it. Need to pull the starter from my old TLB this afternoon and send it in for rebuild as it will crank engine about three seconds and then start getting really warm and cranking ceases. It still tries but is extremely labored. Engine is a 3-53 Detroit and usually starts easily. ------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Les Kerf
Date Posted: 09 Jan 2026 at 10:48pm
The twin belt sheave fit right on my 10SI unit perfectly and I re-used the belts as well, you will need to get a bit creative with mounting it
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Codger wrote:Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2026 at 6:02am
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It was raining and my phone is very susceptible to shutting down when moisture is detected so only snapped this photo:  Also grabbed the gear selector handle and it is quite tight in operation. I expect this area has been addressed in the past as the deceased was quite mechanically inclined from what I gather. I'm told the tractor should be usable once started again. After reading Les's post on the sheave fitting the 10SI series the order on ebay for the conversion sheave was cancelled. It had not shipped yet so no problems there. If this generator works however, I may not replace it till later, or problematic. I should have the replacement alternator on Tuesday for the air compressor and I do remember reutilizing the original dual belt drive sheave from it's Delco generator all those years ago. It however is automotive sized belts about 1/2" in width. This photo(s) are right after that conversion and first runup before swapping wires on the ammeter:   ------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2026 at 7:37am
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I'll just build onto this thread with a starter problem. I did remove the 30MT starter from my Detroit engine and it is burnt internally. It was dropped at a local rebuilder who estimates $175, to $325 for a complete rebuild once opened up. Don't mind doing that if need be but my question is: Is there a modern gear reduction unit that is lighter in weight and draws less current available, and should I even look this route? Starter is 12 tooth CW rotation, 12VDC. No photos as raining when starter was removed and phone was purposely left in truck.
------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Les Kerf
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2026 at 8:03am
The generator that was on my Son-in-law's HD5G is a Delco-Remy third brush type that uses the third brush for current (amps) limiting but has a two-coil regulator for voltage regulation. The previous owner told us that the generator did not work, and he was correct, so I swapped it out for the 10SI alternator, which I do not regret. I later checked out the generator on the bench and found that the regulator was not making ground contact, when properly grounded it produced voltage while being spun with a drill. I did not give it a full workout at the time but I plan to when I get my test bench set up. Your generator appears to be a different type and has what might be a three-coil regulator, is it possibly a Prestolite? If it functions properly I would just run it.
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Posted By: Les Kerf
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2026 at 8:13am
We put a 39MT starter in this HD5G, it is leaps and bounds better than the original. I just smile every time I hear that 2-71 fire up  |
Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 10 Jan 2026 at 6:50pm
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We are in the minority but I too like the old "two stroke joke". Just started one of my old semi tractors yesterday with 6V-92TA power and just kinda smile while warming it. I like the noise which isn't as loud as it used to be with my age...... I've installed several 39MT starters replacing original 40MT series, but they've always been on semi trucks. I'll look into a reman unit online as really would rather this than a new overseas produced. Space is kind of constrained on this TLB, but I'll have to garner some actual dimensions if this original 30MT is cost prohibitive to go forward with.
 ------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2026 at 5:20am
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Alternator for my air compressor now shows arriving today? Was originally scheduled for Wednesday, then Tuesday, and now Sunday. I don't have "Prime" or anything special so this is surprising, but welcome.
------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2026 at 7:42pm
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Received alternator as updated schedule showed. Nice unit I'll get installed tomorrow if another order of blasting consumables shows up. Seen this and it's an interesting watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKHfqoWnmi8" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKHfqoWnmi8 ------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2026 at 7:18pm
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Talked to starter rebuilder this afternoon and not going any further with the 30MT. He also recommends a 39MT to replace this one. Didn't have one but will build one up from parts for me. Less $$$ to go with the 39MT too as two of the field coils of the original starter were out of spec, and one pole shoe was cracked/busted from the starter motor being waylaid with a hammer several times. There are actually dents beat into the housing. Also discovered the cylinder block in the tractor is aluminum. Head, and flywheel housing are iron, but most everything else is aluminum. Received blasting order today late in the afternoon so back at it tomorrow to finish up. ------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Les Kerf
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2026 at 8:27am
Interesting!
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Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2026 at 9:47am
Surprised me. I've seen many 3-53 Detroit engines in both iron and aluminum when in the military but this is the first civilian aluminum block I've seen. However, I don't know much history on the tractor. It was very near dark when I was pulling the starter and a magnetic work lamp wouldn't stick to the block is how I found it before looking closer and snapping photos.  ------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Les Kerf
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2026 at 2:11pm
Cool! A 'lightweight' HD5G    |
Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2026 at 3:41pm
This engine is in a Clark backhoe loader but may go into that HD5G if the 2-71 is not good. I'd like to fashion a clamshell bucket, (or tines) for the HD5G as have a lot of brush and trees to take out at some family property. I have about 1/3rd of a rake built for the 11B and once all the relatively "heavy" groundwork is done, I'd like to leave this HD5G at the property for maintenance of the place. The TLB is shot but the Detroit engine runs well and the hydraulics are very strong. It came along to me in a trade when the former owner traded both the 11B, and this backhoe in on a new mid sized excavator.  ------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 16 Jan 2026 at 7:23am
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Going to pick up the freshly built/rebuilt 39MT starter this afternoon. Basically an older case with everything new inside. Wanting to get this old TLB out of where it's at and back to the shop for further evaluation; but the power shuttle seems to be worn out. Fine cold but as it warms, begins to slip and the tractor won't pull itself unless in low gear. Not much use pushing into a pile this way at all......
------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2026 at 6:12am
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What a circus. Rebuilder did a nice job building up a new starter but installed 24VDC field coils instead of 12VDC and won't work in the application. Too late in the day when I arrived to correct so will be addressed the first of the week. Forecast is very cold for the next few days so no real loss of time.
------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Les Kerf
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2026 at 7:57am
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Bummer :-( |
Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2026 at 8:21am
Yep, we were talking about the 11B, and my large DD powered air compressor (which are both 24VDC) along with this tractor and the conversation got convoluted. All starters use the same SAE #3 mount, are CW rotation, but use different drives to intermesh in the ring gears. All straightened out now so will be corrected Monday. Tuesday is supposed to reach back into the 30's so will hopefully install then. ------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 19 Jan 2026 at 9:37am
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Got a call and starter is rebuit to 12VDC but it's one degree here now and going to remain cold today so probably not even going out of the house.....
------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Les Kerf
Date Posted: 19 Jan 2026 at 12:00pm
Good plan!
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Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 23 Jan 2026 at 3:34pm
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Warmed a bit yesterday so picked up the starter and installed. Engine fired readily and settled into an anything but quiet, smooth idle. I need to top off the shuttle reservoir as it was found too low to move the tractor so further delay..... Tractor has a single speed B-W power shift transmission in front of a B-W T-18 series four speed manual transmission minus the reverse gears on both the main, and counter shafts. It works well when cold, (and obviously has oil) but needs a rebuild. ------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 23 Jan 2026 at 3:40pm
This is the same transmision that is installed:
------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 25 Jan 2026 at 11:49am
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Couldn't work with that new alternator for the air compressor. Input shaft is shorter than original and could not install original dual belt drive sheave onto the replacement. Also discovered, (though don't remember doing it) the lower swing mount being ground back 1/2" to allow proper placement for belt alignment. Been several years since this was done. Having several of these 10SI series alternators in the shop of unknown dispostion, I tore the orginal, and an unknown apart. After metering the rotor slip rings, and stator of the original alternator, diodes, and diode trio of the donor alternator, I reassembled the front of the original onto the rear of the donor and reinstalled onto the compressor. It immediately started charging but at too high of voltage. Output was about 17.3VDC output and pegging the 30A ammeter. When it warms a bit, I'll pull it back apart and swap in a new regulator as I suspect this is why the donor was taken out of service originally. It was a "Transpo" brand and 12VDC labled right on the regulator itself.
------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2026 at 10:56pm
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Danged weather has slowed my alternator innards shipment so don't have them yet. Found a new set of pole shoes for the 30MT starter, and purchased a new solenoid along with brushes/bushings. I rebuilt the motor part as the field coils were good, but have yet to receive the weatherproofing rubber boot so another project at a standstill. Should be going after this HD-5 within the next couple of weeks. Widow has located the ignition key, and operator station floor panel so tractor is relatively complete. Will probably be the first load hauled on my new to me Talbert detach trailer. Following Coke's advice, I have located some 2.50 thick steel plate in a local scrapyard to bolt onto the back of this tractor. Certainly can't hurt anything to be on there. Haven't used my track torch in a spell so it will see some use for fitment. My Hougen mag drill will push a 3.00" depth of cut annular cutter easy enough, so I'll need to acquire the appropriate size as all mine are 2.00" depth. ------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2026 at 10:34pm
Well unannounced, the rubber boot showed up in the mail today so hopefully finish up that open task this weekend. Found and ordered a 3/4" x 3.0" depth of cut annular cutter and ordered it today. The bolt holes in the back of the machine appear to be 3/4" X 10tpi so this cutter should work well. They are painted over but I'll chase them with a bottoming tap before use. Postal service seems to have lost my alternator innards as they were in St. Louis on Wednesday and scheduled for delivery today, (Friday) then changed to Saturday. Tracking is now changed again with no update other that original shipment date. Ahhh, the joys of online shopping. ------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 31 Jan 2026 at 2:40pm
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Miraculously the alternator innards arrived in St. Louis this morning for the second time! Somebody there really has a consecration fettish for that package and just could not bear to not touch it again. Assembled the 30MT starter this afternoon and it bench tests fine. I'll install it onto that Detroit engine later in the week for a functional run and keep it for a ready spare should it be needed. ------------- That's All Folks! |
Posted By: Codger
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2026 at 2:28am
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Recieved innards yesterday afternoon. Promptly installed into three alternator back ends on air compressor and all are still overcharging and about 17.35VDC at a good little clip on the ammeter. This is the only 63A variant I have so I believe either the stator has partially shorted, or the rotor has. Regardless the charging value is too high and the entire alternator can be replaced for a little more than just a purchase of a stator, (example) alone. Think what I'm going to do is order a new alternator, disassemble it, push the rotors from both alternators, and push the new rotor into the modified front case of the old alternator, then reassemble. This way it will be new guts in an old front case. ------------- That's All Folks! |