Oliver 1900

Traditional Farmer · Aug 18, 2016

Talking to a guy that has a late model 1900 for sale what's the good and bad about these? Any opinions on them?

Married2Allis · Aug 18, 2016

TF, you always seem be ready buy. I can only dream of owning a 1900. Did you hit the lottery or something? LOL

Mike(NEOhio) · Aug 18, 2016

Here's one I saw at a steam engine show back in June. I have video of it pulling the sled but it's too long to post here. I have to figure out how to trim it down.

J. Schwiebert · Aug 18, 2016

The picture Mike posted is an A series 1900. There are 3 series A, B & C. They all have a 4 cylinder 53 series Detroit Diesel. The A series have what is known as an S series engine which means it has a 2 valve head and a little lower compression than the B & C series tractors which have the N series engine. They have a 4 valve head and compression is about 20: 1. Horsepower on those is 100. See which series you are looking at and then get back with us. The A series started in 1960. B Series start with serial number 124 396. C series start with serial number 134 684. Start there.

Traditional Farmer · Aug 18, 2016

Fellow says its a 1900 C.What's the price range on these?

Traditional Farmer · Aug 18, 2016

I only buy if its a bargain most of the time.

Hay maker2 · Aug 18, 2016

If you want a conversation piece and go to the shows with it than buy it....

If you want to work it, buy something different as you will not regret it.

brutus49DC · Aug 18, 2016

The downsides are hearing loss and a torque curve like a rock. Can't think of any upsides.

jr1983 · Aug 18, 2016

From what I've seen everyone that had an Oliver with a Detroit either loved or hated them I would love to have one mself. Couple things to remember. It is a two stroke so it only produces real power in the top 400 rpm. Keep it sound up or it will burn oil and aggravate the operator. Also they are loud. I love that sound but not for everyone. They are proof you dont need a full rpm governor on a tractor lol. As long as you don't mind running it wide open all the time they are a great unit.

Traditional Farmer · Aug 18, 2016

I've run a lot of old Detroits so I know how they operate,used to have a Michigan loader at work with a 3-71 in it.That thing would 'run away' about twice a day pretty well worn emergency stop on engine is a must for sure.Pretty neat looking tractor.

johns · Aug 19, 2016

My opinion if the price is right buy it. A detroit oliver will always hold its value, and it will always be worth more than a similar condition/optioned oliver with a waukesha. Yeah they make noise, just put in some ear plugs. I've plowed for many hrs with my 1950gm and a 5-16 plow, the noise isn't that bad with a muffler. Buy a 53 series Detroit Service Manual and don't be afraid to work on it. Parts are available and not too expensive compared to other makes. If you want more power it would be real easy to add 20hp just changing injectors and follow the tune up procedure in the book if it already has a 4 valve head. The hydra power and rear end if kept up with regular oil changes should be fine.

J. Schwiebert · Aug 19, 2016

Series C should have a 4 valve head, only the A series had the 2 valve head.

Oliver 1900

Traditional Farmer

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Married2Allis

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Mike(NEOhio)

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J. Schwiebert

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Traditional Farmer

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Traditional Farmer

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Hay maker2

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brutus49DC

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jr1983

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Traditional Farmer

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johns

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J. Schwiebert

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