Questions - Oliver 77

This doesn't have to pertain to just a 77, that's just what I'm
working on - you gurus out there...

What exactly causes the transmission to whine? Some are very
quiet and others are pretty noisy. I know this is relevant to the
amount of wear in the transmission. I guess what I'm asking, is
where specifically is usually the most noise coming from? Ring
and pinion wear? Somewhere else? Some gears are louder than
others?

To fix this, what can you do? Does it take putting in all new gears?
I'm working on my grandad's tractor, want to make this one
PERFECT! Any help on what I need to do? Just need some
guidance.

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share!
 
An Oliver tractor has a natural whine in the transmission. It has to do with how the gears are cut and how they mesh together. The Fleetlines, Supers, and early 3 digits used a spur gear transmission, while the later 3 digits used a helical cut.
In the book "Oliver Tractors" by Herb Morrell, the Chief Engineer to design the Fleetlines, he writes about the sound and how it came to be. The early Fleetines up to 1950 are louder than those after 1950. The Supers and the 3 digits have less whine.
I have 1949 88 and it has much more whine than later versions...it has been this way its" whole life. That is part of her character and what makes her special. That is part of the reason I love Oliver tractors is because of the whine.
Not sure there is much you can do. One thing, I have found is to run a heavy oil in the final drive...I generally run a 90w 140 in mine and that keeps her quieter.
 
As Agonair said, stright cut gears whine more than helical gears. My dad's '53 Oliver 77 had more gear whine than the newer tractors did. Trucks of that era really whined a lot more than the tractors did. Next time you are at a tractor show or a tractor pull listen to some Oliver tractors similar to your's, they all have some gear whine.

Your grandad's tractor probably had that whine when it was new, so to me anyway, it really would not be perfect if it didn't whine. Enjoy your grandad's tractor and have fun with it!
 
My 1958 Oliver 770 has the loudest transmission noise of all my Olivers. My wife say's she hears the whine long before the exhaust when I'm coming down the road.
 
In the row crop line of tractors: Basically all Oliver tractors prior to the 4 digit series will whine due to the spur gears in the tranny. They have been that way since brand new.

The late model 880's supposedly transitioned to helical gears.

When you get into the 4 digit Olivers: Only the 1550's and the 1555's retained the whining spur gears. All other 4 digit models went to the helical gears and are quieter.

So if you want a quiet row crop Oliver then get a number 1600 or higher in number (or a late model 880).
 
Thanks guys!!! I really appreciate the responses, makes me feel better! I've been on a few Olivers - a 70 in particular that I couldn't believe how quiet the rear end was. It made me question it!

GREAT responses and am so glad you guys took the time to share. The heavier gear lube is a great idea! I can see how that would help for sure! Thanks again!
 
Depending on who was right when our 77 was bought, it whine from day one when I was about six until it sold at the auction in Oct. of 1970. I was going on 22 at the time. In between it worked a lot of land.
 

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