by Cathy Scheibe
    |  Allis-Chalmers introduced the “AD40” in 1952 with many improvements over its previous grader models. The new “T” frame was narrow all the way back to the rear frame. This made a huge improvement in operator visibility over the previous Y-shaped frame designs. A constant-mesh transmission allowed for shifting on the roll, and provided slightly faster speeds. The $13,740 AD40 tipped the scales at 23,000 pounds. When they acquired the “Buda Company” in 1953 Allis-Chalmers engineers were afforded a great deal more control over reliability, cost and performance for their entire line of construction machinery. In that light they soon began extracting GM 4-71 engines from assembled machines and inserting the new Buda 4-stroke diesel engines in their place. A six-cylinder diesel rated at 120 hp, the “D-516” was installed in the AD40 and remarketed as the “Forty-Five” in 1955. When the popular V snowplow was fitted to the grader it could cut a 9-foot path through deep snow, a 12-foot wing plow pushed that snow even further, to slow drifting on the wind-swept plains. Blizzard-prone areas enjoyed the optional fully-enclosed cab, which afforded all-weather operation for the year-around. 1961 brought another remarketing as the grader’s name was changed to “45” and Persian Orange paint on unsold “Forty-Five” models was over-sprayed with yellow paint, which was growing in popularity throughout the construction market. New elliptical decal design set the 45 apart even further visually, and advertising boasted of the new 10000 direct-injection engines, which made for easier starting and improved fuel-consumption. Production of the 45 model derivatives ended when the M100 was introduced. Its entirely new square-tubular frame design replaced the familiar tube-frame but production numbers seemed to swindle. Toy Trucker & Contractor chose the “Forty-Five” for it’s National Toy Truck ’N Construction model in 2008, built by First Gear. It has the optional cab and the pre-”45” color of “Persian Orange.” The model is still IN STOCK! Go here to order: AC GRADER |
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