[AT] I needed another tractor

[Cecil E Monson]

	Today was one of those days that a person wishes could be repeated
over and over. I have been suffering from the long cold winter and wondering
when spring was going to get here. It seems like April, with the beginning of
northern shows, was never coming. I was having my 2nd cup of coffee and reading
the paper when I spotted an ad for an Allis Chalmers D-12 tractor with Bush
Hog and some other stuff for sale including a Vermont Castings Defiant wood
stove. I called the seller and it turned out I was the first caller. Around
here it pays to be up early and to read the paper early. I told him I could
be there in an hour and kept my fingers crossed that no one would try to get
there ahead of me and jump in early. It happens, and has happened to me. I
had to drive over 40 miles to get to the seller's place and was there in less
than an hour.

	I pulled in the yard after wondering all the way down if this was
going to be another wild goose chase. I have driven many miles before only to 
find that the item being sold was pure junk. As I turned in the driveway, I
saw this very nice Allis D-12 the first thing and said to myself, "That can't
be it."  It was unbelievable. Good tires all around and excellent sheet metal.
One small ding in the grille. All the original lights were on it and it was
a Series III tractor. Every option available is on the tractor including a
factory 3 point hitch. It has the Hi-Lo lever on the left side also, giving
it 8 speeds forward and 2 reverse. He has the original owners manual and an
IT shop manual as well as some spare filters and so on that go with it. It
has the two lever hydraulic control setup to the right of the drivers seat.
I noticed it has a 12 volt system and a comfort seat. I think this is the
first unrestored D-12 I have ever seen with all the original factory lights
on it and all in excellent condition. He has added another light on the rear
of the right fender as he used it for farming and wanted lights on both sides.
I never could figure out why they didn't mount lights to the rear on both of
the fenders anyhow.


	I have been looking for a Series III D-12 Allis for at least 5 years
without success. I have really wanted one to use around the place as I have
3 point equipment that was designed for a tractor of this size.

	The Bush Hog is indeed a Bush Hog brand, is a five foot model, and
comes with a spare set of blades. Not beat up and runs nice and quiet. My old
Ford bush hog has blown the seals and will no longer hold gear oil. I will
retire it and maybe take it down to Beilers auction next year and sell it now
that I have this one.

	I drove the tractor around, tried all the gears and the clutch, tried
the Bush Hog which runs off the PTO. Everything worked. All the gears are quiet
and the clutch is as smooth as silk. The seller took it down the private lane
in 7th and 8th gear for me just to show me how well it runs.

	The price was very fair and he was firm on it. I did not argue or try
to beat him down in price. I have looked for one of these for so long that I had
about given up. He told me after I bought it that he hardly slept last night as
he hated to sell his stuff. He is retired now and has sold the property where
the tractor has been housed and does not have room for it any more. He said he
is glad someone is getting it that will use it.

	I also looked at a very large Vermont Castings wood stove - a "Vigilant"
model and bought that too. I have been looking for one of them for my shop for
a couple years as they will take 2 foot logs and have good thermostatic control.

	So, I had a very nice day so far. I hope the good luck holds. If so,
there is no telling how the afternoon will go.

Cecil
-- 
The nicest thing about telling the truth is you never have to wonder
what you said.

Cecil E Monson
Lucille Hand-Monson
Mountainville, New York   Just a little east of the North Pole

Allis Chalmers tractors and equipment

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