Allis chalmers 8030

[4020deereboy]

Are the 8030s purdy good tractors ? Also how do the transmissions hold up and what transmissions were available?
Thanks Shaun

 

[Harry in Ky]

8030, now that brings back some memories. I worked for an AC dealer in Cal. back when they were in production. The 8030 was probably the most bulletproof of the line back then. At 130 HP, the engine had the best lifespan of all the 7000 and 8000 series tractors at that time. The 160 and 180 HP versions were just too much for the design. Remember, that was a hopped up edition of the 3500 series that started out in the D21. The transmissions were either the power director or power shift. PD was same as 7000 series, with a few improvements in piston and seal design, and still the weakest link as I recall. 8000 was a little harder to split, thanks to cab and styling "improvements", but still a fairly inexpensive procedure. The power shifts were a six speed unit with the same high low range as the PD version. I don't remember them being known for expensive repairs due to internal componant failure, most were a result of valve problems. The valve was what i recall working on the most, and by the time the 8030 came out most of the kinks were gone. There were a number of changes in the valves over the years, mostly to try and correct mechanical failures which caused one of the selected clutches to only partially engage,or a third clutch to also partially engage. If the operator was sharp enough to notice the difference in the feel of the shift and the shifter itself, the problem could be caught in time.

 

[4020deereboy]

thanks for the reply how is parts availabilty?