Oliver crawler

I recently acquired this piece of Oliver machinery and really don't know anything about it. Was curious to see if any one here could tell me anything. Any info is appreciated.

Thanks,
Kalen

check out the photo bucket link below to see the rest of the pictures of the cat that I took
http://s224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/speshalk_82/

Look at your picture: The model of the tractor and the serial number of the tractor is on the metal tag attached to the bellhousing. The metal tag on the engine is the identification tag for the engine. Post that information and we can tell you a lot more. Also measure the center to center distance of the tractors as they were made in different widths. Start there.

Well as most on here know it is an Oliver HG42, if the manifold is original it will be a late 40's model as by early 50's the front idlers were solid and manifold had OLIVER on it from latest 40's I think. The serial number tag on RHS of bellhousing, or rear RHS of frame if earlier 40s model, will tell you the date of manufacture, or look for casting date on block behind magneto.
Not sure if that blade is home-made, could be an early after-market job, but that seat is not original, nor the strengthening frame at the front.
I am thinking the engine is a Hercules IXK3 - as I don't see the water pump that came on the later and bigger IXB3.
Sprockets look pretty worn out and you need a hood :lol: but you know that!
Important though...before you start doing ANYTHING with it you need to replace the missing U-bolts that hold the rear frame to the final drives. You will crack the frame and/or bellhousing without those in place. There were a few versions available in the early 50s, some field-added (=retrofitted) to older machines as they were prone to failure especially when blades and loaders were added. The later OC3s that replaced HGs addressed these problems fully.

Ok, here's what I found. I didn't find a tag on the bell housing anywhere but the engine tag was readable. Engine model: IXB 3, Engine number 2479412. Firing Order: 1243 I measured the frame from outside to outside at 16" and from outside to outside of the tracks at 51". Also measured across the drive axle housing at aprox 34".

You will have to talk to Zimmermans in Ephrata PA with that engine serial number and they will tell you its age. The date is also cast on the block behind the mag. They are also the source of all good information and advice - and parts of course.
Again looking at those idlers - the older pressed steel type with the holes, I would suggest your machine is a 40s example, quite possibly with a replacement IXB engine (common practice)....hence lack of serial tag on bell housing?? From 1950 HGs had solid cast front idlers and that OLIVER manifold instead of the smooth earlier type.
Zimmermans Oliver Cletrac

Look at the metal tag or what ever it is behind the white thing laying on the track. Serial number tags were moved in 1949 to this located. Water pumps were added in late 1948.