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Did you work with Allis-Chalmers WD-45 Brake Bands and Clutch Friction? According to publicly filed asbestos litigation records, it allegedly contained asbestos. Here is what it was, who was exposed, and who is responsible. Allis-Chalmers WD-45 Brake Bands and Clutch Friction, made by Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Co., sold from 1953 until 1957. Allegedly asbestos-containing brake bands and clutch friction supplied in Allis-Chalmers WD-45 tractors, according to publicly filed asbestos litigation records. Chrysotile-fiber brake bands and clutch friction allegedly used in Allis-Chalmers WD-45 row-crop tractors, per publicly filed asbestos litigation records. Workers allegedly exposed around this product included Farmers and family farm operators, Farm-equipment mechanics, and Tractor-restoration hobbyists. Asbestos claims are brought against the companies that made the products. If you worked with or around Allis-Chalmers WD-45 Brake Bands and Clutch Friction and were later diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related disease, you may have a legal claim against the manufacturer. This is educational information from an independent publisher — not a law firm — and is not legal advice.
Product Description
The Allis-Chalmers WD-45 was a mid-1950s row-crop tractor produced in West Allis, Wisconsin, sold widely across the Midwest corn belt and dairy country. According to publicly filed asbestos litigation records, the WD-45’s brake bands (mounted at the differential outputs) and its clutch friction disc allegedly contained chrysotile asbestos in a phenolic binder. Both were replaceable wear items, and many WD-45 units received multiple brake and clutch rebuilds during multi-decade working lives on family farms.
Workers Exposed
WD-45 owners typically handled their own brake and clutch service, allegedly disturbing chrysotile-containing friction material with hand tools and compressed air in barn shops. Farm-equipment mechanics at Allis-Chalmers dealer service departments and independent tractor shops performed brake and clutch overhauls as standard shop practice. Tractor-restoration hobbyists working on decades-old WD-45 units continue to allegedly encounter original friction material during frame-off restorations.
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If You Worked at Allis-Chalmers
If you or a family member worked at Allis-Chalmers and were exposed to asbestos-containing materials at this facility — and were diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease — you may have a legal claim. Time-sensitive filing deadlines apply.
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