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The Buda FT 40-24C and Its Industrial Heritage
The Allis-Chalmers Buda FT 40-24C forklift represents a bygone era of American industrial equipment, built for durability and simplicity. Manufactured during the mid-20th century, this model was powered by a Buda gasoline engine and featured a duplex mast with a single central hydraulic cylinder. These machines were commonly used in steel shops, warehouses, and rail yards, where ruggedness mattered more than speed or finesse.
Allis-Chalmers, founded in Milwaukee in the 19th century, became a major player in agricultural and industrial machinery. Its acquisition of Buda Engine Co. in the 1950s allowed it to integrate reliable powerplants into its forklift line. Though production numbers for the FT 40-24C are scarce, thousands were sold across North America, and many remain in service today, often in small fabrication shops or as restoration projects.
Core Specifications
Operators have reported that the lower section of the mast sticks during descent, halting roughly four feet above ground level. The carriage can be forced down with added weight, but otherwise resists movement. The issue is isolated to the bottom stage, suggesting a mechanical or hydraulic restriction.
The most likely causes include:
In Philadelphia, a welding contractor acquired a Buda FT 40-24C for shop use. After noticing the mast sticking, he inspected the carriage and found no visible damage or obstruction. The chains remained tight during descent, ruling out carriage hang-up. Suspecting the cylinder, he disassembled the packing gland and discovered hardened Vee packing, likely overtightened by a previous owner to stop a leak. After replacing the seals and adjusting tension, the mast lowered smoothly.
Inspection and Diagnostic Strategy
Mast binding in the Allis-Chalmers Buda FT 40-24C is often caused by internal cylinder friction or carriage misalignment. By inspecting packing tension, roller condition, and mast cleanliness, operators can restore smooth operation and extend the life of this classic machine. In vintage forklifts, every inch of lift is earned—and every descent should be as graceful as its rise.
The Allis-Chalmers Buda FT 40-24C forklift represents a bygone era of American industrial equipment, built for durability and simplicity. Manufactured during the mid-20th century, this model was powered by a Buda gasoline engine and featured a duplex mast with a single central hydraulic cylinder. These machines were commonly used in steel shops, warehouses, and rail yards, where ruggedness mattered more than speed or finesse.
Allis-Chalmers, founded in Milwaukee in the 19th century, became a major player in agricultural and industrial machinery. Its acquisition of Buda Engine Co. in the 1950s allowed it to integrate reliable powerplants into its forklift line. Though production numbers for the FT 40-24C are scarce, thousands were sold across North America, and many remain in service today, often in small fabrication shops or as restoration projects.
Core Specifications
- Engine: Buda gasoline inline-4
- Lift capacity: ~4,000 lbs
- Mast type: Duplex with single central cylinder
- Lift height: ~24 feet
- Transmission: Manual with mechanical clutch
- Steering: Rear-wheel pivot
- Hydraulic system: Open center with gear pump
- Duplex Mast: A two-stage lifting system where the inner carriage rides within outer rails.
- Packing Gland: A seal assembly around the cylinder rod that prevents hydraulic fluid leakage.
- Vee Packing: A stack of V-shaped seals compressed to form a tight seal under pressure.
- Swarf: Fine metal debris often found in machine shop environments.
Operators have reported that the lower section of the mast sticks during descent, halting roughly four feet above ground level. The carriage can be forced down with added weight, but otherwise resists movement. The issue is isolated to the bottom stage, suggesting a mechanical or hydraulic restriction.
The most likely causes include:
- Internal friction from over-tightened packing
- Seized rollers or guide channels
- Hydraulic bypass or pressure imbalance
- Debris accumulation in mast channels
In Philadelphia, a welding contractor acquired a Buda FT 40-24C for shop use. After noticing the mast sticking, he inspected the carriage and found no visible damage or obstruction. The chains remained tight during descent, ruling out carriage hang-up. Suspecting the cylinder, he disassembled the packing gland and discovered hardened Vee packing, likely overtightened by a previous owner to stop a leak. After replacing the seals and adjusting tension, the mast lowered smoothly.
Inspection and Diagnostic Strategy
- Observe chain tension during descent; loose chains suggest carriage binding
- Inspect mast channels for grease buildup, rust, or swarf
- Check rollers for free rotation and wear patterns
- Examine cylinder rod for scoring or dents
- Disassemble packing gland and inspect Vee packing for compression and wear
- Replace Vee packing with OEM or compatible seal kit
- Clean mast channels with solvent and wire brush
- Lubricate rollers and guide surfaces with lithium grease
- Adjust packing gland tension to manufacturer spec
- Test hydraulic pressure and flow rate at cylinder inlet
- Grease mast rollers monthly
- Flush hydraulic fluid annually and replace with ISO 32 or 46 grade
- Avoid overloading carriage beyond rated capacity
- Keep mast channels free of debris and moisture
- Document seal replacements and packing adjustments
- Source parts from vintage forklift specialists or fabricate custom seals
- Use exploded diagrams from similar Allis-Chalmers models for reference
- Retrofit modern hydraulic fittings if originals are obsolete
- Replace worn chains with matched sets to maintain balance
- Consider installing a pressure gauge to monitor cylinder performance
Mast binding in the Allis-Chalmers Buda FT 40-24C is often caused by internal cylinder friction or carriage misalignment. By inspecting packing tension, roller condition, and mast cleanliness, operators can restore smooth operation and extend the life of this classic machine. In vintage forklifts, every inch of lift is earned—and every descent should be as graceful as its rise.
