Keeping the Fiat-Allis 16B Dozer Alive Through Parts and Ingenuity

[MikePhua]

The History of the Fiat-Allis 16B
The Fiat-Allis 16B crawler dozer was born from a merger between two industrial giants—Fiat of Italy and Allis-Chalmers of the United States. In the early 1970s, Fiat-Allis emerged as a global brand focused on earthmoving equipment, blending European engineering with American ruggedness. The 16B was introduced as a mid-to-large class dozer, designed to compete with the Caterpillar D7 and D8 series in road building, mining, and land clearing.
Powered by a turbocharged diesel engine producing around 200 horsepower, the 16B featured a torque converter transmission, planetary final drives, and a robust undercarriage built for high-impact environments. Its reputation for simplicity and brute strength made it popular in South America, Africa, and rural North America, where serviceability mattered more than electronics.
Challenges in Finding Replacement Parts
As Fiat-Allis ceased operations in the late 1980s and transitioned into Fiat-Hitachi and later CNH Industrial, support for legacy machines like the 16B became increasingly scarce. Parts availability is now a major concern for owners, especially for:

• Transmission components
  
• Final drive gears and bearings
  
• Hydraulic cylinders and seals
  
• Undercarriage rollers and track chains
  
• Electrical harnesses and gauges
  

Many parts are no longer manufactured, and original documentation is fragmented. Owners often rely on salvage yards, online auctions, or custom fabrication to keep their machines running.
In one case, a landowner in Montana needed a new steering clutch pack. After months of searching, he located a donor machine in Saskatchewan and had the parts shipped across the border. The repair cost less than a new machine and extended the dozer’s life by another decade.
Strategies for Sourcing and Substitution
To overcome parts shortages, experienced operators and mechanics have developed creative solutions:

• Cross-referencing with other models
  • Some components are shared with Allis-Chalmers HD16 or Fiat-Allis 14C
    
  • Engine parts may match industrial Cummins or Detroit Diesel units
    
• Custom machining
  • Gear teeth, bushings, and shafts can be replicated by skilled machinists
    
  • Hydraulic cylinder rods and seals are often rebuilt locally
    
• Retrofit and upgrade
  • Modern alternators, starters, and gauges can be adapted with minor bracket changes
    
  • LED lighting and auxiliary hydraulics can be added for functionality
    
• Networking with collectors and restorers
  

• Vintage equipment shows and online forums often yield leads on rare parts
  
• Some enthusiasts maintain inventories of obsolete components
  

A contractor in Brazil rebuilt his 16B’s blade lift cylinders using locally sourced seals and honed barrels. The repair cost 40% less than importing OEM parts and restored full lifting capacity.
Understanding Key Terminology
For those new to Fiat-Allis equipment, it helps to know:

• Torque converter: A fluid coupling that multiplies engine torque and allows smooth gear changes
  
• Planetary final drive: A gear system that distributes torque evenly and reduces shock loads
  
• Steering clutch: A friction-based mechanism that disengages one track to turn the machine
  
• Equalizer bar: A pivoting beam that balances track movement and absorbs terrain impact
  
• Blade tilt cylinder: A hydraulic actuator that adjusts the blade angle for grading precision
  

Knowing these terms aids in identifying parts and communicating with suppliers or machinists.
Preventive Maintenance to Reduce Parts Demand
To minimize breakdowns and extend component life:

• Change transmission and hydraulic fluids every 500 hours
  
• Grease all pivot points weekly, especially blade pins and track rollers
  
• Inspect clutch linkages and adjust tension seasonally
  
• Monitor track tension and sprocket wear monthly
  
• Keep electrical connections clean and dry to prevent shorts
  

Installing a magnetic drain plug in the transmission and final drives can help detect early gear wear. Some operators also use oil sampling kits to monitor contamination and schedule service proactively.
Stories from the Field
A forestry crew in Oregon used a 16B for road building in steep terrain. After snapping a track chain, they sourced a replacement from a retired HD16 and adapted the sprocket spacing with custom shims. The machine returned to service within a week.
In another case, a rancher in Argentina rebuilt his Fiat-Allis 16B using parts from three donor machines. He documented the process and now offers consulting to other owners facing similar challenges.
Conclusion
The Fiat-Allis 16B may be a relic of a bygone era, but its mechanical integrity and raw power continue to earn respect. With resourcefulness, technical knowledge, and a bit of luck, these machines can be kept alive and productive. Whether clearing land, building roads, or preserving industrial heritage, the 16B remains a symbol of durable design and the enduring value of repair over replacement.