Oliver 550 questions

I need some help. I've been looking for a small tractor to replace my Ford 8N and came across an Oliver 550. Looking to use tractor for raking/tedding hay, plowing, blade work, pulling small spreader and other general tasks around the farm. I have only seen pictures and talked with owner. Overall tractor looks to be in decent shape and does have a Kelly loader (which doesn't interest me). Sheet metal is straight and all there, Claims it to be factory power steering, good rubber, good running, was overhauled about 10 years ago by older gentleman who used it to mow his property. It does not have a draw bar which concerns me since I plan to pull things. What is the approx value? We are located in Northeast Indiana. I have been around Fords and IH my whole life but this is my first Oliver. What are some things I should look for when I go to see it? How do I know if it is truly factory power steering? Any guidance or information would much appreciated.

Excellent tractor. Not that hard to build a swinging drawbar. I built this one. Just check the usual things. Make sure you can feel the PTO lever snap over center when you engage and disengage it. I don't know that there was an aftermarket power steering for them. If it has it,it's probably original.

Well there are several advantages to the 550 over the Ford. This includes alive PTO, Live hydraulics, a 6 speed transmission and a good overhead valve engine. Post the serial number as the 1958 models ( first year) have a 144 cubic inch engine while after that they went to a 155 cubic inch engine. Power steering is a big plus! A remote valve for hydraulics is also a big plus. Maybe they run the loader off the tractor's hydraulic system. Where are you in Northeast Indiana? Larry Boellner a former dealer outside of Toledo can tell you more about there values and he has many parts as he sold many to the villages around Toledo and still services them.

I'm located near Fort Wayne. I will post serial number once I take a look at the tractor in person. Forecast is calling for rain so maybe I'll have a chance to go look at it later this week. Do you have contact infor for Larry?

I will get you that. We are not that far apart. I am 37 miles east of the state line. I am even with the north edge of Ft Wayne.

It seems like people who sell a 550 sell the draw bar and THEN they sell the tractor. I've seen people list the draw bar alone for over $500. I'm also amazed that some aftermarket entrepreneur hasn't started making them. There is a big market for them.

How can I contact you/ Phone number e-mail?

[email protected] is best way to contact me

I thought maybe Maibach's Tractor in Ohio was making drawbars for the 550s, but I might be wrong.

Maibach does sell them, I bought one for my 550. It works fine and stays out of the way of the 3 point vs. the original setup.

Is it gas, or diesel? That makes a lot of difference in value. When you go see it, take a picture of the side of the tractor showing the steering links, and also up close of the steering box, and post it. We will tell you if it is original power steering (there were two versions, but those two pics should be definitive). Also, take a pic from the right side of the tractor, showing the transmission case under the seat. It may have the remote hydraulic unit, which adds to the value. Finally, you may not be interested in the loader, but it adds about a grand to the value of the tractor. Just curious why you wouldn't want a loader? I've always had one, and its handier than a pocket on a shirt. As far as value, $2,000 for gas without loader, add 500 plus for diesel, 500 plus for loader.

I worked for a neighboring farmer when in high school, in the early '60's. He had an Allis D14, which I used to bale (and loved it), and a JD 40 (which I didn't love quite so much). One day, I reported to work, and he said "Go down to the shop and bring up the green tractor." I assumed he meant the 40, but when I opened the door, there was a brand new Oliver 550, with a Freeman loader. I just walked around it in awe, and then noticed he was standing behind it, and I don't know whose smile was bigger. This is the same guy who spied us fishing in his creek when sis, cousin and I were all in single digit age, and instead of running us off, came down with leaders and hooks tied up to replace our string and bent pins. RIP, Bob Thomsen.

Best little tractor I have owned! I especially like the shifter on the left and the other controls on the right. Check out the link below can be found on the left side of this list under Research and Info, Articles, Maintenance.
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I went and looked it over. It is a 1962 gas. It is definitely the original power steering but it seemed very sluggish. It did not have the external hydraulics and loader was just fed using internal hydraulics and loader didn't function well. Tractor had some sheet metal issues and carb issues. Seller would not budge on price and was well above what I though was fair market. I have no interest in loader because I have a skid loader and it does all the lifting I need. Just looking for a low slung tractor to get into my barns and do some of the chores that don't require a big tractor. Replacing an 8N and want to move into the world of power steering, live pto, and hydraulics.