About the Allis-Chalmers D12
Allis-Chalmers introduced the D12 in 1959 as part of the new D Series. It was a compact row-crop tractor with a four-cylinder gasoline engine, four-speed transmission, live hydraulics, and a 540-rpm PTO. A D12 High Clearance version was also offered for cultivation work where extra clearance mattered.
The D12 stayed in production through 1968 and went through Series I, Series II, and Series III updates during that run. Early and later tractors can therefore differ in engine parts, air-cleaner parts, electrical equipment, and other details, even when both are called a D12. The serial number is the best starting point when checking parts.
Serial Number Reference
Serial number locations: The tractor serial number is stamped into the flange where the engine and transmission meet on the left side of the tractor. The engine serial number is on the rear left-hand side of the engine block behind the carburetor.
The table below shows the beginning tractor serial number for each Model D12 year and series:
1959-1961
| Model D12 year |
Beginning serial number |
| 1959 - Series I |
1,001 |
| 1960 - Series I |
1,950 |
| 1961 - Series I |
2,801 |
| 1961 - Series II |
3,001 |
1962-1964
| Model D12 year |
Beginning serial number |
| 1962 - Series II |
3,638 |
| 1963 - Series II |
5,501 |
| 1964 - Series II |
6,012 |
| 1964 - Series III |
9,001 |
1965-1968
| Model D12 year |
Beginning serial number |
| 1965 - Series III |
9,192 |
| 1966 - Series III |
9,508 |
| 1967 - Series III |
9,830 |
| 1968 - Series III |
9,979 |
1959-1963
| Model D12 year |
Beginning serial number |
| 1959 - Series I |
1,001 |
| 1960 - Series I |
1,950 |
| 1961 - Series I |
2,801 |
| 1961 - Series II |
3,001 |
| 1962 - Series II |
3,638 |
| 1963 - Series II |
5,501 |
1964-1968
| Model D12 year |
Beginning serial number |
| 1964 - Series II |
6,012 |
| 1964 - Series III |
9,001 |
| 1965 - Series III |
9,192 |
| 1966 - Series III |
9,508 |
| 1967 - Series III |
9,830 |
| 1968 - Series III |
9,979 |
1959-1968
| Model D12 year |
Beginning serial number |
| 1959 - Series I |
1,001 |
| 1960 - Series I |
1,950 |
| 1961 - Series I |
2,801 |
| 1961 - Series II |
3,001 |
| 1962 - Series II |
3,638 |
| 1963 - Series II |
5,501 |
| 1964 - Series II |
6,012 |
| 1964 - Series III |
9,001 |
| 1965 - Series III |
9,192 |
| 1966 - Series III |
9,508 |
| 1967 - Series III |
9,830 |
| 1968 - Series III |
9,979 |
Total production: About 4,070 Model D12 tractors.
Allis-Chalmers D12 Paint Reference
For restoration planning, the Allis-Chalmers D12 is listed in the Allis-Chalmers tractor paint guide with the original paint references below.
Allis-Chalmers D12 paint reference by production period
| Production period |
Metal |
Wheels |
Disc |
Chassis |
Trim |
| 1929 through 1960 |
Persian Orange 1 |
Persian Orange 1 |
Persian Orange 1, Aluminum |
Persian Orange 1 |
Aluminum with Black trim grille |
| 1961 through 1977 |
Persian Orange 2 |
Cream, Persian Orange 2 |
Cream, Aluminum |
Persian Orange 2 |
Cream grille |
Paint placement can vary by production year, series, and equipment configuration.
