Brand siblingAllis Chalmers 8550
The Allis Chalmers 8550 is a powerful utility tractor built from 1978 to 1981. It has a strong 6-cylinder diesel engine that makes 300 hp, which is very high for tractors of its kind. The engine is turbocharged and liquid-cooled, helping it work hard in tough conditions. This tractor is big and heavy, weighing 27,040 lb, which helps it handle big jobs on the farm. The 8550 is a 4-wheel drive tractor with an articulated frame, making it easy to steer in tight spaces. It has a partial power shift transmission with 20 forward gears and 4 reverse gears, giving the driver lots of options for different tasks. The tractor has a three-point hitch and a 1000 rpm PTO, so it can use many different tools. The cab, called Acousta Cab II, has heat and air conditioning to keep the driver comfortable. With its high power and many features, the Allis Chalmers 8550 was a top-of-the-line tractor for its time.

Quick specs
- Category
- Utility
- Engine Power Output
- 300hp
- Operating Weight
- 27,040 lb
- Transmission
- Partial Power Shift
At a glance
How the 8550 compares
vs. Utility medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Utility tractors
This model
The 8550 ranks at the 97th percentile for engine power among recorded utility tractors.
Overview
About the Allis Chalmers 8550
The Allis Chalmers 8550 is a powerful utility tractor built from 1978 to 1981. It has a strong 6-cylinder diesel engine that makes 300 hp, which is very high for tractors of its kind. The engine is turbocharged and liquid-cooled, helping it work hard in tough conditions. This tractor is big and heavy, weighing 27,040 lb, which helps it handle big jobs on the farm. The 8550 is a 4-wheel drive tractor with an articulated frame, making it easy to steer in tight spaces. It has a partial power shift transmission with 20 forward gears and 4 reverse gears, giving the driver lots of options for different tasks. The tractor has a three-point hitch and a 1000 rpm PTO, so it can use many different tools. The cab, called Acousta Cab II, has heat and air conditioning to keep the driver comfortable. With its high power and many features, the Allis Chalmers 8550 was a top-of-the-line tractor for its time.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | Allis Chalmers |
|---|---|
| Model | 8550 |
| Category | Utility tractor |
| Type | 4x4 Articulated 4WD |
| Years built | 1978–1981 |
| Operating weight | 27,040lb |
Engine
| Make | Allis Chalmers |
|---|---|
| Model | 6120T |
| Power | 300hp |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement | 731ci |
| Bore | 5.25in |
| Stroke | 6.25in |
Transmission
| Type | Partial Power Shift |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 20 |
| Reverse gears | 4 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x4 Articulated 4WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 4WD |
| Steering | Hydrostatic Power |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Wet Discs |
| Cab | Acousta Cab II with heat and air-conditioning |
Hydraulics
| Type | Closed Center |
|---|
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 1,000rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 285in |
|---|---|
| Width | 95.5in |
| Height | 139in |
| Operating weight | 27,040lb |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 18gal |
|---|
Head to head
8550 vs. Utility median
How the Allis Chalmers 8550 compares to other Utility tractors
| Spec | This model | Utility median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 300 hp | 55 hp | +445% | 97th |
| Engine Displacement | 731 ci | 183 ci | +299% | 96th |
| Cylinders | 6 | 4 | +50% | 93rd |
| Forward Gears | 20 | 12 | +67% | 86th |
| Operating Weight | 27,040 lb | 5,303 lb | +410% | 96th |
| Length | 285 in | 137 in | +109% | 99th |
| Width | 95.5 in | 66 in | +45% | 94th |
| Height | 139 in | 94.1 in | +48% | 97th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the utility tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 3,933–5,720 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared Allis Chalmers tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allis Chalmers 4W-305 | 305 hp | 27,100 lb | 1982–1985 | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers 4W-220 | 220 hp | 21,475 lb | 1982–1984 | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers 440 | 218 hp | 20,230 lb | 1973–1977 | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers 7580 | 186.35 hp | 25,000 lb | 1977–1981 | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers 5050 | 50 hp | 4,410 lb | 1977–1983 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belarus 7100 | 300 hp | 29,735 lb | — | Compare → |
| Belarus 7100M | 300 hp | 30,580 lb | — | Compare → |
| Belarus 7111 | 300 hp | 29,760 lb | — | Compare → |
| CaseIH 4894 | 300 hp | 25,750 lb | — | Compare → |
| CaseIH 9250 | 300 hp | 30,060 lb | — | Compare → |
Explore
Allis Chalmers siblings
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Gallery
Allis Chalmers 8550 photos


FAQ
Common questions
What years was the Allis Chalmers 8550 manufactured?
Production of the Allis Chalmers 8550 ran from 1978 through 1981.
What is the working weight of the Allis Chalmers 8550?
The operating weight of the Allis Chalmers 8550 is approximately 27,040 lb.
What type of transmission does the Allis Chalmers 8550 have?
The Allis Chalmers 8550 uses a Partial Power Shift transmission offering 20 forward gears.
What hydraulics does the Allis Chalmers 8550 have?
The Allis Chalmers 8550 uses a Closed Center hydraulic system.
What three-point hitch category does the Allis Chalmers 8550 use?
The Allis Chalmers 8550 has a Category IV/III three-point hitch.
How powerful is the Allis Chalmers 8550?
The Allis Chalmers 8550 has an engine power output of 300 hp. It is powered by a 6-cylinder engine displacing 731 ci.
What routine service does the Allis Chalmers 8550 need?
Regular maintenance for the Allis Chalmers 8550 includes checking and changing engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and filters, plus routine inspections as recommended in the owner's manual. Always follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for specific intervals and procedures.



