Looking at buying a 2255 - Any things to look for?

Hotflashjr

Well-known Member
Location
Western MA
Looking at a 2255, 1 owner, 6,600 hours, 2 wheel drive, under over transmission. Tractor is a 1974 with the cat engine. I am not an Oliver guy. Our shed is full of the "other" green paint. Besides the basics of tires, leaks and general functionality, is there anything specific to look for on these tractors that could/are problem areas? Are parts readily available?

Intended use is way under the capability of the tractor. It will primarily be used to make some hay, small square bales on about 14 acres as well as running an 8 foot hammer mower to chop pruning's from the orchard. All equipment we have is for 70 to 80 HP tractors.
 
3208 Cat. Trying to find out a bit more about the engine. I see it was recommended some engine service be performed every 3-4k hours.
 
The motor has no power unless you keep it revved up, and when you keep it revved up, it rattles itself to death. I like Olivers, but the 3208 isn't really a great motor.
 
I have driven trucks with the 3208 motor, never had a power problem with them, the rattling being talked about is the double disk clutch rattle. Common to all of them doesn't hurt anything, just annoying at a stop sign.
 
Poking around the internet it seems as though 3208's run at max capacity and rpm's for long periods of time were the ones that gave issues, most before 3k hours. We will put maybe 50 hours a year on this tractor and not be anywhere near its capacity so I do not think we will have issues with the motor. That being said it will all depend on maintenance by the previous owner is what I am finding out if the engine will become an issue.
 
Make sure the normal stuff like you said is ok and that everything works. A little bit harder to find everything for it. But man they sure are cool.
Oliver2255withKinze.jpg
 
picture with planter was maybe 10 years ago? This one was last week when getting her out to put a rotary hoe on. Gives the neighbors something to talk about!
oliver2255_zpshdfhg8eb.jpg
 
3208's aren't that bad. I'm not sure why people say they have no power. They have a lot of lug to them because of no turbo needed to keep spinning. The 3208's were better than the 3150. I think bearings were supposed to be done early like 5000 hrs. Don't let them sit for long periods of time or the injection pump can seize itself especially with poor fuel. We have 4 of them and all have been pretty good with no major issues. Our 4-150 was used hard pulling a chisel plow and 28 foot disc. Tractor is worn, out but the engine still runs perfect. Only ever put on water pumps and rod/main bearings once.
 
(quoted from post at 11:31:11 05/25/17) They are just mean looking machines in my opinion. Yours looks great!

They are nice looking machines. I have read your other posts about looking at other tractors in the past. I think you would be happier in the long run if you looked for the other green like you have. Just my opinion. I know I just opened up Pandora's box...
 
So my destiny the way my operation is set up where I am not an owner in every aspect but call the shots, for the most part, has come out on this one. The owner LOVES the one we looked at.

I was able to find some really good left over and used equipment on the implement purchases so the budget is actually on the plus side. I think there will still be enough left for the other color green past this purchase. Gotta keep the owner happy!
 
Because you intend to use the tractor at around half of full capacity, I would check the Nebraska tractor test for that tractor, #1140. Look at the un-ballast weight, fuel economy at PTO speed with partial loads, HP and fuel economy at reduced throttle, and sound levels. Those might or might not be very good compared to the smaller more modern tractors that you're using now. I realize this may be a "for fun" purchase and only used on a few acres, so those may not matter, but they will tell you what to expect from it.

If it has a cab, I would check the cost to get the air conditioner working. A coolant test kit can tell a lot about how well the tractor has been maintained. If you need to use the 3 point hitch, is it both cat 2 & cat 3 or cat 3 only? Will the height and with work for your orchard work, etc.
 
Good advice. I expect it to be louder and consume more fuel than anything else we have right off the bat. Size wise it fits in the barn and width will work for most parts of the orchard. I am a bit concerned that it is a bit top heavy for some areas of the farm which will again limit its overall usage. 3pt is Cat 2 & 3 with 540/1000 PTO on this one which works with our implements. Seller claims ice cold A/C so we will see. Looking at machines this year I have nearly emptied my jar of 50 coolant test strips. I'd say a its close to 50/50 good coolant to bad. Scary!
 
Oliverguy it that your tractor in pic. ? if so could you tell me what the part number is on them front suitcase weights , there the ones i need to find for my 1855 , thanks
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top