Milwaukee-based Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Co. is most known for its bright orange-colored tractors, though it did indulge in the production of a variety of other goods as well. Established back in the 1840s in Delaware, it was formed by the coming together of two companies, namely E.P. Allis, Fraser & Chalmers Company and two other firms. They first forayed into the farm equipment market in 1914, and soon began marketing a range of products.

The products included agricultural tractors, implements, gleaner combines, industrial tractors, process equipment, hydro turbines, compressors, process equipment, electric motors, crushing and screening equipment, valves, pumps, air purifiers, coal gasification, and simplicity garden tractors. From 1928-1933, Allis-Chalmers tractors were sold under the Cockshutt company brand name. During World War II, the Allis Chalmers Company built pumps for the Manhattan project, which were utilized in the uranium separation process.

After the end of the war, Allis-Chalmers embarked on a company-buying spree. It acquired several companies such as Buda Engine Co. from Illinois (1953), Gleaner Harvester Co (1955), French company Vendeuvre (1959), and Simplicity (1959). Their first tractor, called United, was introduced in 1929. It was later renamed the Model U. This was the first-ever tractor with low pressure pneumatic ties. The company’s second tractor was called the Model B; it became highly popular in the U.K. and sold approximately 125, 000 units.

Allis Chalmers’ most significant product was the Model WD-45. Introduced in 1953, this was the first-ever tractor with optional diesel power and power steering. This was followed by the D series, Hundred series, Compact series, the Utility series, and the 4WD series.