During the 70's Allis Chalmers developed the 700 series line of backhoes. There was a production of 710 Loader or perhaps Loader Backhoes. Am not sure on the later as have never seen a AC 710 with a backhoe on it in person or in literature. Anyone here have any information on them? I would like to do an article on the AC 700 series Loader Backhoes. I have seen one minor reference that the Allis Chalmers 710 was also designed with a modified forklift frame that was mounted on the back that had a trailer hitch mounted to it. These units were used in Mobile Home factories to move the finished trailers from the factory to the storage lot. I do have one photo of the AC 710 with the modified forklift/ball hitch that is shown in the Allis Chalmers Industrial Book authored by Norm Swinford. The 700 series of backhoes would continue to soldier on with 715B, C and D models produced. After the demise of the once great Allis Chalmers Corporation - the design was picked up by CDS of Minneapolis Minnesota. The machines lacking a four wheel drive slowly faded from the U.S. landscape. If anyone hear has come across one or has any literature on the AC 710 Loader/Backhoe would you please be so kind to reach out. Perhaps with your help we could put together an article for users members that would be of interest. Respectfully, ~ Orangeman
Out of curiosity I did some internet searching. It seems AC made a 710 riding mower, the search engines I use won't show an industrial 710 tractor. I only found 710's with a letter series. Like a 710B and up. AC did mount Henry Mark II backhoes on some of their tractors. I found the parts and service manual for it.
Morning Tinkerer: Yes, AC/Simplicity built a run of 700 series Lawn and Garden Tractors during the early 70 to late 70's which was a popular product for them. Allis Chalmers acquired Henry Corporation of Topeka Kansas to develop their Industrial Line of AC Light Industrial Equipment. The Topeka plant designed and developed the 700 series Loader Backhoe and 700 series Rough Terrain Forklifts along with the 650 series Crawler, Dozers and Crawler - Loaders. All of the 700 series backhoe and rough terrain forklift machines relied upon a design with an integral frame running from the front to back of the machine which absorbed the stress loads developed by the loading and digging cycles. This design afforded excellent protection for the engine and transmission as the power and drive train were mounted inside of the heavy integral frame. William Bryant was the Chief Engineer assisted by the talented Craig Cannon who had been with Allis since the days of the Allis Chalmers WC farm tractor. Credit to them for what proved to be an excellent design. In close, appreciate your insights! ~ Orangeman