OT - AC K? Scraper prime mover or fabbed?

Down at my favorite tractor playground and they had this - I have no idea if it was built this way or a converted crawler.

Kurt it sure does look like both. New to me

I'm not familiar with AC at all, but it is interesting. Looks like a converted crawler tractor and has seen some work for sure. But, I stand to be corrected...

Hi, Kurt.

Definitely converted from an A-C Model K crawler, which was, I think, the 2nd largest in the A-C line-up at the time, the Model L being the big dog. GOTTA wonder what those big tires on the back would do to the gearing and travels speeds.

Just my 0.02.

AC had 4 sizes of crawlers, the M , K, S, and L. The M was D2 size. I don't think much of the M was used when the HD 5 was created with the 2-71 DD. We ran a K along with a RD6, it was never up to the D6. When AC changed to Detroit Diesel engines they put a 3-71 on a K and made a HD 7. They put a 4-71 on a S and had a HD 10, same class as D7. The L got a 6-71 to become a HD 14.

I never have been around any old AC wheel tractors. But from picture in the 1930's they built some with the same cast iron radiator as the crawlers. After looking at the drawbar and front axle, I am less positive that this started as a crawler. Because the K still rusting away here has a much more substantial drawbar, very similar to a Cat. But the first K's did not have 2 steering clutch lever, but a central post and cross bar at the top. So easy to replace the cross bar with a steering wheel like pictured. So I am still on the fence as to what it is.

I did not get it in the shot, but the rear wheel hubs are cast with the AC logo in them. I scratch my head on it because if it is converted, they went to great lengths, the front axle looks like it should be there, but maybe off of a grader? Rigging a steering system would have been a task. But the drawbar looks fabricated, and very well-worn. Maybe the original wore out? Anyway, an interesting piece.

I'm thinking that is a rubber tired prime mover like Cat's DW10 . It appears to be legit judging by the way the hand rails and other sheet metal are made. I can't remember but there's a youtube video using Alice Chalmers equipment building a dam and they had those unless it was building Hoover Dam. Tried finding a picture but no luck. Only there was an cast iron toy made by Arcade many years ago.

Here's a link of one of the toys for sale

https://www.ebay.com/itm/363793037928

I am landing on the side that this left the factory substantially as it is today. When I look at the drive wheels, steering, and especially the brakes, it would have taken a lot of luck to find those components from other kinds of equipment and assemble them into a working tractor.

Allis Chalmers Speed Ace?

https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/tw-speed-ace-revisited_topic170492.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJbJtMOv5jA

C.H. Wendel The Allis Chalmers Story, pg 309: