Finding a Winch Setup for a Fiat-Allis 11B Powershift Tractor

[MikePhua]

The Fiat-Allis 11B and Its Logging Potential
The Fiat-Allis 11B crawler tractor was introduced during the 1970s as part of the company’s push to modernize its dozer lineup. Fiat-Allis, formed from the merger of Fiat and Allis-Chalmers, produced a range of earthmoving equipment that blended European engineering with American ruggedness. The 11B was a mid-size dozer, often used in construction, land clearing, and agricultural applications. With a powershift transmission and solid undercarriage, it offered reliable performance in rough terrain.
While the 11B was not commonly outfitted with a factory winch, its frame and transmission layout made it a viable candidate for aftermarket winch installation—especially for logging and recovery work. Many units were repurposed for skidding logs, pulling stumps, or assisting in steep-slope operations.
Terminology Clarification

• Powershift Transmission: A type of transmission that allows gear changes without clutching, using hydraulic pressure and planetary gear sets.
  
• Winch: A mechanical device used to pull or lift loads via a cable or rope wound around a drum.
  
• PTO (Power Take-Off): A shaft that transfers engine power to auxiliary equipment like winches or pumps.
  
• Fairlead: A guide for the winch cable, preventing it from binding or fraying during operation.
  
• Skidding: The process of dragging logs from the cutting site to a landing area using a winch or grapple.
  

Choosing the Right Winch for the 11B
When selecting a winch for a Fiat-Allis 11B, several factors must be considered:

• Mounting Compatibility: The winch must align with the rear frame and transmission output. Some 11Bs have PTO ports that can drive mechanical winches directly.
  
• Pulling Capacity: For logging, a winch rated between 30,000 and 50,000 lbs is ideal. This allows for single-line pulls of large hardwood logs or multi-line configurations for heavier loads.
  
• Drum Size and Cable Length: A larger drum accommodates longer cable runs, useful in forested terrain. A ¾-inch cable with 150–200 feet of length is standard.
  
• Control System: Mechanical lever controls are common, but hydraulic or electric actuation may be retrofitted for ease of use.
  

Popular winch models for similar tractors include the Allied Hyster D7N, Carco 50 series, and PACCO units. These winches were often used on Caterpillar D6 and D7 machines and can be adapted to fit the 11B with custom brackets and PTO couplings.
Installation Considerations and Modifications
Installing a winch on a tractor that never had one requires careful planning:

• Frame Reinforcement: The rear frame may need gussets or brackets to support the winch’s weight and pulling force.
  
• PTO Coupling: If the tractor has a PTO, a shaft adapter may be required to match the winch input.
  
• Hydraulic Lines: For hydraulic winches, a pump and reservoir must be added, along with control valves and hoses.
  
• Electrical Wiring: Electric winches need a high-output alternator and heavy-gauge wiring to prevent voltage drop.
  

In some cases, the winch may be mounted on a subframe that bolts to the rear drawbar or hitch points. This allows for easier removal and avoids permanent modification to the tractor.
A Story from the Field
In Illinois, a retired FAA radar engineer converted his Fiat-Allis 11B into a logging tractor for personal use. After searching salvage yards and equipment auctions, he located a used Hyster winch from a D6C. With the help of a local machine shop, he fabricated mounting brackets and a PTO adapter. The winch was installed with a fairlead and cable guard, and the tractor was used to skid oak and hickory logs from a 40-acre woodlot.
The operator noted that the powershift transmission made winching easier, as he could feather the throttle and shift gears without clutching. The winch proved invaluable during wet seasons, when logs had to be pulled uphill through muddy terrain.
Where to Source a Winch Setup
Finding a winch for an older tractor like the 11B requires persistence:

• Salvage Yards: Look for retired dozers with intact winch assemblies. Many yards specialize in Caterpillar and Allis-Chalmers parts.
  
• Online Auctions: Sites like Purple Wave and Machinery Trader occasionally list standalone winches.
  
• Logging Equipment Dealers: Some dealers carry refurbished winches or offer installation services.
  
• Fabrication Shops: If no direct-fit winch is available, a custom mount can be built using drawings or measurements from similar machines.
  

Before purchasing, verify that the winch includes all necessary components: drum, cable, control levers, mounting brackets, and PTO coupler. Missing parts can be difficult to source individually.
Recommendations for Long-Term Use
To ensure safe and effective winch operation:

• Inspect cable regularly for frays or kinks.
  
• Grease drum bearings and PTO couplings per manufacturer specs.
  
• Use a snatch block for angled pulls to reduce strain.
  
• Install a kill switch or emergency stop for electric or hydraulic systems.
  
• Train operators on proper winching techniques, including anchor setup and load calculation.
  

Conclusion
Outfitting a Fiat-Allis 11B with a winch transforms it from a grading tractor into a versatile logging and recovery machine. While the installation requires mechanical adaptation and sourcing of legacy components, the result is a powerful tool for landowners and contractors working in wooded terrain. With the right winch and setup, the 11B can pull its weight—and then some—through the toughest jobs.