Tractor Story – 1963 Allis Chalmers ED-40

This is the story of my Allis Chalmers ED-40, handed down to me from my father when I completed the restoration for a graduation project from high school in 2010. It has been in our family since 1981 and used on our farm regularly up until about a year before the restoration. It was run down, and my mother wanted to sell it, so my dad and I decided to tackle the project of restoring it. Mechanically, it was simple for the engine was in great running shape. All it really needed in the mechanical department were bearings, brakes, wiring, lighting, and all gauges were re-done. Cosmetically it was a train wreck. All new paint, sandblasting all around, welding patches on fenders and wheels (the old tractor fluid rusted large holes through wheels) and new decals completed the cosmetic job. I was so pleased on the drive home from the shop with all the waves and thumbs up from people through town. Once we got it home one day before the projects presentation at school, my mom had changed her mind about selling it and told us it was to never work in the field again, it looked too nice to mess up! At age 18 I had finally completed my first major restoration. It was completed in 3 months and I’ve taken it to shows around Western North Carolina and parades in my hometown, my favorite being the North Carolina Apple Festival Parade. College has slowed down my next project, a 1940 Farmall A that belonged to my Great-Grandfather, but it will be completed in the coming years and Steiner will surely be help with this one as well!

Kyle Obermiller
Hendersonville, North Carolina