Re: 100 Hp tractors from the late sixtys???

Posted by Tom on November 27, 2002 at 18:35:45 from (216.117.106.192):

In Reply to: 100 Hp tractors from the late sixtys??? posted by Guywhowants100hptractor on May 29, 2002 at 16:18:58:

I'm sorry to be joining this discussion so late in the game. You have probably already bought your tractor, finished a restoration, got bored with it and bought something else by now.

You got a little advice on Oliver tractors and I feel compelled to interject an opinion. I'm no expert by any means, but I have owned a number of tractors over the years. I can't say that I have ever really disliked operating any tractor. Some are more comfortable or more reliable or more fuel effecient than another, but they were all great machines in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Production agriculture was still big business in those days and a great many equipment companies were fighting for the farmers money.

All things being equal, you might take a hard look at the Oliver 1855. This tractor is still the best investment you can probably make. The much maligned 310 engine was actually very reliable and effecient once the bugs were worked out. You see, Oliver tried to use the same engine in all three of their 55 series row crops. The 1755, 1855 and 1955 were naturally aspirated, lightly turbocharged and fully turbocharged respectively.

Two things happened when you ran the 1855 very hard; the two piece wrist pins would come apart or the engine oil would break down from extreme heating. The problem was so widespread that Oliver had to replace a good many 1855 engines. Update kits provided to dealers included modified pins and an external oil cooler that was similar to that of the 1955. Some operators, I am told, avoided problems by overfilling the crankcase by a quart.

By now most of the surviving tractors have been suffeciently modified that the hot oil is no reason for concern. The engine itself is very well engineered and fuel effecient, testing at Nebraska in the 12.5 hp/hr per gallon range.

Additionally, I have found the 1855 among the most comfortable and enjoyable tractors to operate. The turbocharged engine is relatively quiet (hearing protection is recommended), the engine, transmission and steering are smooth and responsive and the spring ride seat-while occassionally squeaky, is more comfortable than the Deere or IH seat of that generation.

The big difference, in my opinion is that they wont make any more Oliver tractors. The last Olivers were produced by White in 1974. Consequently, while you can buy a new red, blue or green tractor; you won't find a new one painted clover white and meadow green.

Their name and their colors are slowly disapearing from the American countryside. So grab a piece of agricultural history and enjoy the ride.

I still own an 1855 that has worked more than 6000 hours. She still earns her keep every season and I wouldn't trade her for a truckload of 4020s, 1066s or Ford 8000s.

Please let me know how you made out.

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