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The Fiat-Allis Legacy and FG85-B Series
Fiat-Allis was born from the merger of Fiat and Allis-Chalmers in the 1970s, combining Italian industrial design with American heavy equipment engineering. The FG85-B motor grader was part of a lineup that served municipalities, contractors, and road crews throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. Known for its mechanical simplicity and rugged build, the FG85-B featured a torque converter transmission, hydraulic blade controls, and a mid-weight frame ideal for secondary road maintenance and site grading.
While Fiat-Allis ceased production decades ago, many FG85-B graders remain in service, especially in rural fleets and private operations. Their longevity is a testament to the durability of their castings, drivetrain, and hydraulic systems—but sourcing parts has become increasingly difficult.
Transmission Control Lever and Pump Challenges
Two of the most elusive components for the FG85-B are the transmission control lever and the transmission pump. These parts are critical to the grader’s ability to shift and maintain hydraulic pressure in the torque converter system. The control lever, often mounted on the right side of the operator’s seat, engages forward, neutral, and reverse through a mechanical linkage. Over time, bushings wear out, springs fatigue, and the lever may lose its detent feel or fail to engage altogether.
The transmission pump, typically gear-driven and mounted near the bell housing, supplies pressurized fluid to the converter and clutch packs. A failing pump can cause sluggish response, overheating, or complete loss of drive. Diagnosing pump failure involves checking for:
MinnPar and the Aftermarket Solution
MinnPar, a Minnesota-based parts supplier, acquired the rights to Fiat-Allis and now serves as the primary source for legacy components. They offer downloadable parts manuals, exploded diagrams, and technical support for FG85-B graders. While not every part is stocked, MinnPar can often source or remanufacture critical components like pumps, valves, and linkages.
Operators seeking parts should:
Cross-Referencing with Allis-Chalmers Archives
Because Fiat-Allis inherited much of its design from Allis-Chalmers, some FG85-B components are interchangeable with earlier Allis models. Forums and enthusiast groups dedicated to Allis-Chalmers equipment often maintain archives of manuals, schematics, and part interchange lists. Posting inquiries in these communities can yield surprising results—one operator in British Columbia sourced a transmission pump from a retired AC grader stored in a barn.
Additionally, some hydraulic components, such as blade lift cylinders and control valves, were sourced from third-party manufacturers like Vickers or Parker. These parts may be available through industrial hydraulic suppliers if the original Fiat-Allis branding is cross-referenced correctly.
Field Wisdom and Restoration Tips
Restoring an FG85-B requires patience and creativity. Operators have shared stories of fabricating bushings from bronze stock, rebuilding control linkages with salvaged tractor parts, and even machining new pump gears from hardened tool steel. One grader owner in New Zealand rebuilt his transmission lever using a combination of forklift linkage and custom brackets, restoring full control without sourcing OEM parts.
Recommendations for restoration include:
The Fiat-Allis FG85-B motor grader may be a relic of a bygone era, but its bones are strong and its design still relevant. With careful sourcing, creative fabrication, and support from legacy suppliers like MinnPar, these machines can be brought back to life and continue shaping roads, fields, and job sites. In a world of disposable machinery, the FG85-B stands as a reminder that good iron, when respected and rebuilt, never truly retires.
Fiat-Allis was born from the merger of Fiat and Allis-Chalmers in the 1970s, combining Italian industrial design with American heavy equipment engineering. The FG85-B motor grader was part of a lineup that served municipalities, contractors, and road crews throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. Known for its mechanical simplicity and rugged build, the FG85-B featured a torque converter transmission, hydraulic blade controls, and a mid-weight frame ideal for secondary road maintenance and site grading.
While Fiat-Allis ceased production decades ago, many FG85-B graders remain in service, especially in rural fleets and private operations. Their longevity is a testament to the durability of their castings, drivetrain, and hydraulic systems—but sourcing parts has become increasingly difficult.
Transmission Control Lever and Pump Challenges
Two of the most elusive components for the FG85-B are the transmission control lever and the transmission pump. These parts are critical to the grader’s ability to shift and maintain hydraulic pressure in the torque converter system. The control lever, often mounted on the right side of the operator’s seat, engages forward, neutral, and reverse through a mechanical linkage. Over time, bushings wear out, springs fatigue, and the lever may lose its detent feel or fail to engage altogether.
The transmission pump, typically gear-driven and mounted near the bell housing, supplies pressurized fluid to the converter and clutch packs. A failing pump can cause sluggish response, overheating, or complete loss of drive. Diagnosing pump failure involves checking for:
- Low pressure at test ports
- Excessive noise or vibration
- Fluid aeration or foaming
- Delayed engagement when shifting
MinnPar and the Aftermarket Solution
MinnPar, a Minnesota-based parts supplier, acquired the rights to Fiat-Allis and now serves as the primary source for legacy components. They offer downloadable parts manuals, exploded diagrams, and technical support for FG85-B graders. While not every part is stocked, MinnPar can often source or remanufacture critical components like pumps, valves, and linkages.
Operators seeking parts should:
- Identify the exact serial number of the machine
- Reference the parts manual for correct part numbers
- Contact MinnPar or affiliated distributors with detailed descriptions
- Consider remanufactured or refurbished components when new stock is unavailable
Cross-Referencing with Allis-Chalmers Archives
Because Fiat-Allis inherited much of its design from Allis-Chalmers, some FG85-B components are interchangeable with earlier Allis models. Forums and enthusiast groups dedicated to Allis-Chalmers equipment often maintain archives of manuals, schematics, and part interchange lists. Posting inquiries in these communities can yield surprising results—one operator in British Columbia sourced a transmission pump from a retired AC grader stored in a barn.
Additionally, some hydraulic components, such as blade lift cylinders and control valves, were sourced from third-party manufacturers like Vickers or Parker. These parts may be available through industrial hydraulic suppliers if the original Fiat-Allis branding is cross-referenced correctly.
Field Wisdom and Restoration Tips
Restoring an FG85-B requires patience and creativity. Operators have shared stories of fabricating bushings from bronze stock, rebuilding control linkages with salvaged tractor parts, and even machining new pump gears from hardened tool steel. One grader owner in New Zealand rebuilt his transmission lever using a combination of forklift linkage and custom brackets, restoring full control without sourcing OEM parts.
Recommendations for restoration include:
- Use thread sealant and torque specs when reinstalling hydraulic fittings
- Flush the transmission system thoroughly after pump replacement
- Replace all rubber seals and gaskets during teardown to prevent future leaks
- Document all modifications for future reference or resale
- Consider upgrading to LED lighting and modern seat suspension for operator comfort
The Fiat-Allis FG85-B motor grader may be a relic of a bygone era, but its bones are strong and its design still relevant. With careful sourcing, creative fabrication, and support from legacy suppliers like MinnPar, these machines can be brought back to life and continue shaping roads, fields, and job sites. In a world of disposable machinery, the FG85-B stands as a reminder that good iron, when respected and rebuilt, never truly retires.
