The loader frame pins look similar to ones on a Fiat track loader wondering if it might have been an experimental unit. Haven't found any tags other than on the engine.
Definitely an Allis-Chalmers track frame - and the upper structure (hood, seat area and fuel tank) also look a lot like a late-model (70's) Allis-Chalmers. But that loader frame setup is like nothing I've seen on any A-C or F-A machine - especially those unique-looking stops for the bucket tilt on the lift arms. Engines get swapped in many machines, so you can't rely on the engine type for ID. Certainly a curious machine. Single track support roller limits ID to a HD6-HD7 size machine. Most of the smaller F-A crawler loaders had no outer support for the track frame at the sprocket, they ran a pivot bar in front of the sprocket for the track frame.
I did get some more info last night the original owner has dementia but last night was a good night for him. He said he purchased the Track Loader from the Allis Charmers plant in Topeka Kansas just before it closed up which may have been in the late 70s, he picked it up at their proving ground north of Topeka on 62nd St he said they told him if something broke he might have to have the parts made. He said he bought it for scrap price. It runs and meter shows 400 Hr.
REP0144: Would it be possible to get a photo of the rear end of the machine? It looks to me that the rear end of the unit has an additional fuel tank that was fabbed up and mounted behind the seat. Also, the give away on the machine is the sloping hood which was typical of the Allis Chalmers H4, HD4 and 652, 653 and 655 machines. What is odd about it is that the undercarriage appears to be Allis Chalmers HD5 or HD6 undercarriage as the C channel that the rollers are mounted to extend past the rear sprocket. So yes, this is definately an experimental crawler. HD6 parts from what is presented in the photo. Am assuming the engine is a diesel AC 2200 should say on a tag mounted on the operates left side on the engine block. How many rollers on the bottom?
More photos please if you have time. If it could be fired up and moved out into the sunlight that would be great!
Finally got it moved home here are pictures of the back end.
Rep0144- Thanks for the additional photos! The center filter with the aluminum housing appears to be a filter and base from the AC 650 crawler-loader-dozers. Normally, that filter and base was to provide clean oil to the shuttle shift transmission and torque converter. The bottom end is definately of AC heritage - either and HD5 or HD6. I would bet my next paycheck that this was fabbed up from remaining AC parts and pieces. Being its origin was at Topeka Kansas proving grounds it would stand to reason that there were H4, HD4 and 650 sheet metal parts which is what was used for the hood. The AC HD5 and HD6 crawler loader and dozers were built in Springfield Illinois and typically those machines had a 2-71 detroit (HD5) or a AC/Buda in early HD6's - 344, 6000 and 7000 AC Diesel Engines. Somewhere I do have photos of an experimental HD4 Series II that served as the basis for the Topeka Built 650 Series (i.e. 652, 653 and 655 machines. The upgrades on the 650 series included pedal steering as an option and heavy track frames and heavier chain. Note: In the first picture above, (side view) their does not appear to be any steering levers. Does this unit have pedal steering? AFN.... Respectfully ~ Orangeman
Yes it has steering pedals.
Whatever its make up is, it has long been orphaned by age so it really is irrelevant. Looks like a really cool machine and best of luck with it. Great find!
HD6B, Model and SN will be on rear face of Final Top Right side as look at the back, hard stamped. Is a MASSIVELY modified tractor, Early style lift arms and cylinders but late model pedal steer that started just before the FIAT merge. Definite HD5 or6 tail housing.
It does have the Detroit Diesel 4-53 engine and it does turn over by hand, been setting long enough that the starter had to come off so we can take it to shop to get armature cleaned up the brushes are not making contact. I'm glad we have a good winch on the old double drop lowboy. Hoping to get it running to get it off the trailer by middle of this week.
4/53 or 4/71? HD 4 had neither HD5 had 3/71 and HD6 4/71
Rep0144- Am pretty certain this unit was an experimental unit based on the Hd4 and 650 series crawler. Interesting dash layout with all the gauges. The foot pedals look like they came from and HD6 or maybe a later AC 11B series crawler - loader. How is your progress on this unit. Hope to see it running under its own power. Respectfully, ~ Orangeman
We've had it running before this artic blast, oldest son has been using it to backfill around his new foundation, only problem he has found is it hesitates in forward after it runs an hour or two reverse seems to be fine.
There is a screen in the sump if it has a torque converter, my guess is that maybe asking for service, thus leading to the slight delay in forward. Glad you got this old girl back on her legs!
Rep0144 - You might find this link interesting - I posted this query some years ago based on the fact that AC had a proving ground in Topeka - see link here: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/ac-topeka-plant-proving-grounds_topic131873.html ~ Orangeman
UC indicates HD5 base not a 4 as those had open side sprockets, radiator to front or in front of operator? At very front HD 5 based.
Interesting mix match on the undercarriage that's for sure. As DMiller notes the sprockets on the rear appear HD5/6 vintage. The open idler in the front says H3,HD3 or H-4 HD4. The later (70 - 75) 650 series crawler - loader - dozers had solid drum type sprockets. Does the 4-53 run out well?
Fuel tank reminiscent of FA days, square shoulderd.
Wonder if there is any old timers left from the Henry-Allis Chalmers Topeka plant days that could speak to this test design. They would have to be pushing early 80-90's in age if still around.
Looks like an early 7G-B. Sn#27201-up and had AC 3500 engine. Fun little tractor