Oliver shift pattern

sodly

Member
As an Oliver newbie, I am fascinated with the shift pattern on most Olivers. I've never seen anything quite like it before. It appears to be a double-H pattern (at least that's how it appears from the shift
diagram tag). I've searched around online for an explanation of how it works but have come up emptyhanded. People say it's hard to explain. Does anyone know of a video online that explains hos this shift
pattern works? I can find videos on Youtube showing how to shift just about any other transmission I can think of-- but not this one. Or maybe someone can explain it to me.
cvphoto7654.jpg
 
Think of it as a 3-speed (plus reverse) coupled with a 2-speed transmission.

When you're in Neutral, you're either in the "high" or the "low" side (one "H" or the other). You should clutch when shifting between the neutrals, but I've seem people who don't, but it doesn't usually sound good.

Then, basically you're shifting in 1, 2, 3, or R. Since there is overlap on the ratios between "high 2" and "low 3" the sequential pattern spans both ranges.

Not all Olivers use the pattern you attached, but there's always some split in the sequence between the "high" and "low" sides.

I've heard this before where people get confused by the pattern so don't worry, it's common, but to those of us who grew up on Olivers, it's muscle memory.

I'll try to find (or make) a video of how to go through the gears for ya.

Hopefully I helped and didn't just confuse you even more lol!
 
You have a 2 range transmission with 3 forward speeds in each range from an engineering standpoint. That one you show is exactly like the one on my 88 and it is easy just like learning to ride a bike to use. No worse for grinding gears than any other tractor from that era.
 
Reading back through, I thought I would clarify...

Basically a 3-speed trans plus 2-speed trans

On the picture you attached, the lower side (R, 1, 2, 5) would have positions 1, 2, 3, but since the 3rd gear on the low side is faster than the 1st and 2nd on the high side, they just re-labeled it to "5"

so, what you've got there is...
R | High3 ----> R2 | 6
High2 | High1 ----> 4 | 3
| |
R | Low3 ----> R1 | 5
Low2 | Low1 ----> 2 | 1

I'm not sure if I just helped or made it worse lol!
 
Ok so if your wanting to know how to shift it. Like you said its two H patterns, so to shift from one pattern to the next push the clutch, put the gear shift in neutral let go of it then bump it into the next pattern. Most olivers when shifting OUT of a gear, shift best if you bump the gear shift rather than grab it. Other than that, first is the slowest and sixth is the fastest just like and other transmission, and so on. I hope this helps sorry if this isn't what you were looking for.
 

Hi:

I like this question because I had the same problem learning how to shift the Oliver pattern.

As others have said you have 2 ranges with each having the H pattern.

You shift between the patterns by putting the shift lever in neutral. On your diagram the long line in neutral indicates to push up (if you are in low range) to select the higher range and then select the gear you want. Of (if you are in high range) you pull down to select the lower range and then select the gear you want.

It took me a while to master this. I used to shift by accident until I learned to put the tractor in neutral, then apply down pressure (like pushing a dimmer switch), hold down pressure while moving the leaver up or down according to which range I wanted. There is a mild sensation of the shift if range. If you are half way through the shift you will hear the gears grind when you let the clutch out.

You can also tell which range you are in by the position of the gear shift in relation to the dash. This is because the gear shift will be closer to the dash when in 6th and slightly further away when in 5th gear.

Once you master the shift it is really easy to change ranges and thereby change gears.

Let us know how you make out.
 
Imagine the tag is laying flat on the platform you put your feet on and then move the shifter just like it looks.
Pretty simple layout.
 
my 1550 Cockshutt has that setup along with my 2-85 White also. don't really know whats so hard about it?? I kinda like the R2 for backing up.
 
Cockshutt 45/50 have the same setup, probably others too. The single stick 2-cyl. John Deeres were about the same just turned 90 degrees. Sliding through the neutral slot changes the HI-LO range gears.
 
Thanks for all the replies, guys. Yes it makes sense. I've heard several people talk about pulling "down" into low in a way that led me to believe you had to physically push down (toward the ground) on the stick to move between ranges (which didn't jibe with the diagram). So it really is just two H patterns connected together by the common north-south gate between them. It also helps to know that you are actually shifting the 2 speed transmission when you move from the low side to the high side. Makes much better sense now. Thank you!

So where does the 3 speed "over/under" fit into the equation? I presume this is yet another transmission behind the one discussed above. Are the two transmissions above a single married unit? Is the over/under then divorced?
 
The 2 speed Hydra Power or 3 speed Over/Under were used on the 4 digit tractors. They are bolted to the bell housing ahead of the transmission. They can be shifted from direct drive to underdrive (Hydra power) or from direct to under drive or overdrive (Over/Under) without clutching.
 
If you go up to Tractor Talk and take a look at NYOliver's post about his 1800 restoration project,you'll see a picture of an engine with the Hydrapower bolted to it sitting on an engine stand.
Link
 

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