Allis-Chalmers Model WC

The WC was designed from its start as a nimble, low-cost, but well-powered row-crop tractor that would make the best use of pneumatic rubber tires, which Allis-Chalmers had just introduced to agriculture in 1932.

Two factors that lowered its cost of manufacture, and thus its sales price,[2] were that it was made partially from off-the-shelf components, and that its steel channel iron frame eliminated the need for large, heavy castings for the transmission and rear end (as were often used in tractors of the era).

Like most tractors of the era, the WC offered multifuel capability, running on gasoline, kerosene, or alcohol, and featured a small auxiliary fuel tank in addition to the larger main fuel tank, so that the tractor could be started on gasoline when cold and, once warmed up, switched to kerosene or alcohol.

To make rubber tires standard equipment while also keeping the cost of the tractor low, the WC's designers, C.E.

[5] Drop gearing had appeared many times before on earlier tractors, but never yet for this new reason—to minimize the amount of rubber needed for the tires.

[4] In 1939 Harry Merritt, an Allis-Chalmers executive, decided that, with over 90 percent of WCs selling with the optional electric starter and lights, these features would henceforth be standard equipment.

Various design changes occurred over the model's lifespan: The WC, with many good features and various first-to-market attributes, had at least a few drawbacks.