What do I have? 1938 Allis B

Great tractor to work on.  Seems like a few pieces may have been added or 2 tractors combined over the years.  The early Bs (38 is the first full production year) did not have any electrical system- no generator, magnetos for ignition, crank start, no lights.  I couple of years later, a battery starter and lights became options and, of course, needed a generator (6v positive ground).  If it had electric start at one time, it would have a big hole in the bellhousing on the right side of the torque tube.  The battery box would have been immediately in front of the operator and the "toolbox" sheet metal would not extend to the torque tube in the center, but be "cut off" for a battery box.  If it never had a battery box, the sheetmetal of the toolbox would come all the way down to meet the center top of the torque tube.

Edited by HoughMade - 28 Aug 2019 at 4:29pm

I took the S/N number to a local place that deals with old tractor parts.  They told me it was a 1938 but I suppose they could be wrong.  I don't think they are A/C experts.

I have a couple  pictures if that helps. It originally had the in cowl type of muffler.  

The shop manual should help with the details:

http://geraldj.networkiowa.com/Trees/Allis-Chalmers-G-B-C-CA-Service.pdf

Gerald J.

I have the original operator's manual with parts book but it is not very clear about the details I am trying to figure out.  One detail I missed is that the book has a 1939 date in the corner and states "serial numbers 101 and up" on it so it's probably a '39.

Hey welcome to a great forum. Go to tractordata.com and look up your serial number. I have a 39 B. Sure looks like a late 30's. A few things could have been added in it's 80 yr life. Fun little tractors. Oh where in WI are you? 

Odd it would have generator! My guess would be it is not the original engine and the replacement engine had the generator already mounted when purchased. The early B's only had a Zenith carburetor also.

I would say the generator is being used as a belt tensioner.  I guess I never thought about someone replacing the engine on a tractor that doesn't have a frame as opposed to just overhauling the engine.  I guess you could wear it out beyond limits or freeze it up and crack the block.  I live about midway between Wausau and Green Bay in Wisconsin.  My mailing address is Bowler but I'm nowhere near Bowler.  I'm in the actual middle of nowhere.

Big How wrote: I would say the generator is being used as a belt tensioner.  I guess I never thought about someone replacing the engine on a tractor that doesn't have a frame as opposed to just overhauling the engine.  I guess you could wear it out beyond limits or freeze it up and crack the block.  I live about midway between Wausau and Green Bay in Wisconsin.  My mailing address is Bowler but I'm nowhere near Bowler.  I'm in the actual middle of nowhere.

If the generator is attached to the block with a bracket that has bosses cast into the block for the bolts to screw into it is not a 1938 block. You can also tell by the cast in numbers in an arch on the magneto side. The last number on the 38 blocks was a 10.

Much easier to overhaul one of these engines on an engine stand.



Also a quick way to put a working tractor back to work by switching engines.

Could the seat on my B be off of an IB? I have seen some of these at shows that have a set up similar to mine. Going to the gathering of orange exent in Union Grove WI in a couple weeks. I will try to figure out more while I'm there.

The seat could be from and IB, but the base bracket it's mounted on is a little different than the ones on an IB.  Same mounting, but different shape.

Welcome, Big How. The previous owner of my B installed a bass boat seat and steering wheel so he could pretend he was fishing while mowing grass. Good luck with your restoration. B's are fun little tractors. Dan.