Allis-Chalmers Farm Equipment, 1914-1985 [Hardcover]

Norm Swinford (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1994

Get a rare, inside look at one of Americas most historic farm companies in this book from ASAE. Allis-Chalmers Farm Equipment 1914-1985 uncovers the interesting behind-the-scenes stories surrounding A-Cs tractor and equipment line.

Author Norm Swinford combines his love of Allis-Chalmers products and over 30 years experience with the company to produce this complete history of Allis-Chalmers farm equipment. Discover why the tractor color changed from dark green to Persian orange; explore the fascinating prototypes and experimental machines that were never produced, but give insight into the innovative capability of company engineers; as well as many more intriguing stories. With 384 pages, almost 900 photos (over 250 in full color), more than 100 tables, and very insightful text, this becomes the essential A-C source book. If you love Allis-Chalmers tractors or just like farm machinery nostalgia, this book will provide enjoyment for years to come.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Norm Swinfords fascination with Allis-Chalmers products began during the eight years he spent farming in Indiana. His love for these products only grew when he began working as a field representative for A-C in 1957. Thirty years later he retired from Deutz-Allis as Product Manager for tractors. Over the years Mr. Swinfords enthusiasm for these products has increased, along with his collection of A-C literature. He has also written A Guide to Allis-Chalmers Farm Tractors.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: American Society of Agricultural & Biological; 1 edition (September 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0929355547
• ISBN-13: 978-0929355542
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,013,613 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best reference there is about Allis-Chalmers farm machinery., March 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Allis-Chalmers Farm Equipment, 1914-1985 (Hardcover)

For the person interested in Allis-Chalmers farm equipment this is the book to get. Written by a man who spent his career at Allis-Chalmers. A complete and thorough history of the AC farm machinery line along with many photos, most in color. A must have.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very informative resource book for Allis Chalmers., April 25, 2002

By 

Mark D Davenport (Bloomfield, IA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Allis-Chalmers Farm Equipment, 1914-1985 (Hardcover)

I found this book to be very helpful and entertaining. I farm and have used Allis Chalmers equipment since I was a kid. The author of this book is extremely knowledgeable about this subject and puts this book together in a very practicle way. It starts as a historical account of the growing corporation, how it then diversified, and what made A-C a leader in the design and practicality for agricultural machinery for many years. There are many tables filled with data such as serial numbers or quanities of specific models of tractors produced in a given year. Also a very well illustrated book with many color photos. This is one of the best books that I own on such subject matter. It is sad to realize that a company the size of Allis Chalmers and one that had such deep and thick roots in our once ag-based society, fell to economic nightmare of the 1980's farm crisis.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A-C, February 24, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Allis-Chalmers Farm Equipment, 1914-1985 (Hardcover)

Excellent coverage of AC tractors and equipment----very informative with years of production and serial numbers.