INDUSTRY · HISTORICAL MARKER
Allis-Chalmers/Cooper Winch Tractor
Industry
4
Allis Chalmers/Cooper winch tractors date from the late 1930's. Allis Chalmers was a U.S. machinery manufacturer, and the Fred E. Cooper Company was an oil field drilling and service company in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that also built rigs. Cooper used Allis Chalmers tractors as a platform for drilling and service rigs. Although most wells in Borger's early oilfield were drilled with wooden rigs constructed on site, the discovery field also became a testing ground for new ideas and innovation. Cooper's winch tractor grew from practical knowledge gained on the job in this relatively new profession. These self-propelled rigs could be driven to a well site, making them more efficient, convenient, and cost-effective for drilling and oil field service companies. This model could also be used to service wells, which required constant repair, cleaning, and maintenance. Equipment capable of handling most of a company's heavy lifting was especially attractive to owner-operators. An advertisement for this kind of rig appeared in a July 24, 1941, issue of The Oil and Gas Journal shortly before the attack on the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, which started World War II.
FIND IT
Borger, Texas
CITY · 27 STOPSExplore Borger, Texas
Hear every story as you drive
4.8 Stars · 800+ Ratings
© 2026 MainEngine