The Allis-Chalmers G is a unique tractor that’s still useful today.
IN THE SHOP with Rachel
By Rachel Gingell
Farms.com
Nearly 30,000 of these tractors were manufactured from 1948 - 1955. The most noticeable feature is the rear engine, which allows implements to be attached directly ahead of the operator.
These small tractors are popular in my area on small vegetable farms - particularly organic farms, which do a lot of cultivating. Because the implements are specific to this tractor, most tractors are sold along with a collection of implements as a package deal. The cultivator is the most popular, but AC also produced plows, hillers, planters, and even loaders for these tractors.
The AC G is a very well-designed tractor. The rear engine and tall, skinny tires give the tractor a lot of traction. Don’t be fooled by the 11 horsepower rating - this tractor puts a lot more power to the ground than others in its horsepower class.
The tractor handles very easily. A front weight is available but rarely needed. Some tractors feature an optional creeper gear. The visibility on this tractor can’t be beat, either. Altogether, the tractor is fun to drive.
The tractor is often compared to the Farmall Cub - and there are many similarities. The AC G and the Farmall Cub share the same clutch (parts are interchangeable) and have similar engines. However, despite the common misconception, the engines do not have parts interchangeability.
The AC G has a 60 cubic inch engine and the Farmall Cub has a 62 cubic inch engine. This small size variance (and the difference in manufacturers - AC’s engine is made by Continental, the Farmall engine is an International) make them just different enough that parts don’t match up. That being said - their designs are very similar. If you can repair one, you can probably figure out how to repair the other easily enough.
The carburetor system on the Allis Chalmers G is a little unusual, but parts are readily available aftermarket.
I think it’s a shame that the unique design of the Allis Chalmers G didn’t spread to other manufacturers. This model is my favorite AC tractor, and I’m glad that they continue to prove themselves useful on farms today.