UtilityPerformance profile

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.

ManufacturerAllis ChalmersPower300 hpEngine6-cylTransPartial Power Shift
Allis Chalmers 8550

Quick specs

Category
Utility
Engine Power Output
300hp
Operating Weight
27,040 lb
Transmission
Partial Power Shift
Compare this model

At a glance

How the 8550 compares

vs. Utility median

Distribution

Engine Power (hp)

Across all Utility tractors

300 hp · 97th

This model

9
Median 55 hp
177
300
This modelUtility tractorsMediann = 5,383

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

ManufacturerAllis Chalmers
Model8550
CategoryUtility tractor
Type4x4 Articulated 4WD
Years built1978–1981
Operating weight27,040lb

Engine

MakeAllis Chalmers
Model6120T
Power300hp
Cylinders6
Displacement731ci
Bore5.25in
Stroke6.25in

Transmission

TypePartial Power Shift
Forward gears20
Reverse gears4

Chassis & drive

Chassis4x4 Articulated 4WD
Drive4WD
SteeringHydrostatic Power
BrakesHydraulic Wet Discs
CabAcousta Cab II with heat and air-conditioning

Hydraulics

TypeClosed Center

Power take-off

Rear PTOIndependent
PTO speed1,000rpm

Dimensions

Length285in
Width95.5in
Height139in
Operating weight27,040lb

Capacities

Cooling system18gal

Head to head

8550 vs. Utility median

How the Allis Chalmers 8550 compares to other Utility tractors

SpecThis modelUtility medianDifferencePercentile
Engine Power300 hp55 hp+445%97th
Engine Displacement731 ci183 ci+299%96th
Cylinders64+50%93rd
Forward Gears2012+67%86th
Operating Weight27,040 lb5,303 lb+410%96th
Length285 in137 in+109%99th
Width95.5 in66 in+45%94th
Height139 in94.1 in+48%97th

Medians and percentiles are computed from the utility tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 3,9335,720 models).

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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.