Oliver 550 SN and parts help.

Oliver 550
Model # 45-0592
SN 136 171 519

If I'm reading the serial number correctly, I believe it is a 1963.

I bought it recently and she needs a little TLC. I'm looking for parts, and obviously want to ensure I get the right ones.

Specifically, I need to get a replacement steering gear box (or rebuild the current one), and I want to replace the front hubs and bearings.

When I look at parts, the description references a 5 digit serial number.

Any help is appreciated.

Drop the last 3 numbers of the serial number. Those numbers are the code for the transmission. The 550 tractors started with a 5 digit number in 1958, In 1959 the size of the engine increased from 144 cubic inch to a 155 cubic inch engine which is in your tractor. What is the specific problem with your steering gear and the hubs as well? Also check the amount of snap necessary to engage the PTO clutch. Most owners do not maintain that adjustment. Change the hydraulic filter and breather as well. Does it have power steering? It is a 63 model.

Hi---I have lots of parts for 550's & rebuilt steering boxes---My email is open or you can call me at 903 729 8349---Thanks
Kent Gordon
Plaestine, TX

J. Schwiebert and SPMM, thank you for the replies!!!

Regarding the steering (I apologize for not knowing the specific names for the parts):

- There is some play in the ball joints (ie. tie rod ends) attached to the steering arms that go from the steering box to the spindles. The rubber boots are worn, cracked, exposing the metal inside. Non greasable. Seems easy to fix.

- There is significant play in the front wheels. They wobble over bumps. There is a camber to the wheel that causes wear on the inner sidewall of the tire where the wheel rubs against the top of the spindle. When I shake the wheel (not under a load) it moves around like an auto tire does when it has a bad wheel bearing. Easy to fix as long as I get the correct parts. Perhaps some machining. I hope to not replace the spindles.

- Steering. It is a manual steering model. While brush hogging the field, the steering became very stiff. Initially only to the right where it would lock up briefly and become difficult to return left to center again. After a couple turns it locked up totally. Thankfully the wheels were mostly straight. I was able to carefully drive a short distance back to the house making minor steering corrections with the independent brakes.

My plan is to remove the steering gear box and inspect it. Hopefully a good cleaning and lube will work wonders. We'll see.

J. Schwiebert, what do you mean by the amount of "snap" for the PTO? It appears to work smoothly. When I release the catch and bring the control lever back, the PTO engages smoothly, without any noise or hesitation.

Kent, I'm sure I'll be in touch for parts. Thanks for the offer.

Thanks for the help!!!

Snap is the amount of effort necessary to engage the PTO clutch. It is an over-center clutch and this snap (effort) is necessary to throw the clutch over center. You have an operators manual? There were 2 handles for the PTO clutch the one behind you and the one ahead of you as you set on the seat. I don't remember if the amount of effort necessary to engage the PTO clutch is the same for both handles as we only sold 1 or 2 of the front mounted handles. You have a phone number?

Again... thank you for the replies.

I replaced the steering gear box and it appears to work appropriately. After some research it looks like the tie rod arms on the tractor are either too long, or not threaded onto the tie rods enough. The arms on top of the spindle aren't oriented properly so that is contributing to the rubbing against the wheels. Instead of being perpendicular to the wheels, they are canted forward and the bolts that fasten it to the spindle are rubbing against the wheels.

I have new tie rods enroute to help with the play in the steering, and a replacement tie rod arm that should fit better.

I found some pages of the manual online, but have hard copies on the way.

Right now, I'm dealing with some electrical issues. She ran great prior to the dismantling to replace the steering gear box. Murphy and his laws caused some issues. When I removed the cowling some wires dislodged and I need to spend some time with either coffee, or bourbon (depending on the time of day and frustrations in the process) to trace the wires. Right now I can't even get the starter to engage. Lucky me.

I'll PM my phone number regarding the "snap" in the PTO/clutch.

One more time... Thank you for you're replies and help.

(quoted from post at 05:06:59 05/03/16) Hi---I have lots of parts for 550's & rebuilt steering boxes---My email is open or you can call me at 903 729 8349---Thanks
Kent Gordon
Plaestine, TX

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Hi what is your email address. I just picked up a 550 and need some items.