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Oliver, Cletrac, Co-op & Cockshutt Tractors Discussion Forum
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opinions on Oliver 55

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LK

01-13-2005 08:26:08




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I have a lead on an Oliver 55. I think it is a super 55 actually. (is there even such a thing as a plain 55?)

I've been wanting another general purpose wide front tractor with live pto to use around the farm for bush hogging and general purpose light work. I have a Ford 650 that I do all sorts of things with, but it is less thanideal for bush hogging because when you press in the clutch, the pto stops. Either a 2 stage clutch or a totally live independant pto would be a help.

What do you folks think of the model 55? It looks like it could be a pretty nice machine to have and I've always wanted an Oliver. Is it possible to get parts at all? How hard are they to work on, etc. Any chronic problems with this model?

I think I can get it for a pretty good price, and it is in running condition. I don't know if it burns oil, and if everything works, but the ownser seems to recall that everything was pretty much functional.

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Jim Meade

01-13-2005 20:27:50




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 Never liked the 550 in reply to LK, 01-13-2005 08:26:08  
We had a 550 and never liked it because we used it in snow and mud where it bellied up too often. Working a lot of feedlots and so forth. We traded it for a MM 335 and liked that much better because it had taller, skinnier wheels that didn't get us stuck so often. For a small, utility tractor, I really like the Case 580.



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ShepFL

01-13-2005 14:30:03




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 Re: opinions on Oliver 55 in reply to LK, 01-13-2005 08:26:08  
Here is an article that may you may find beneficial. Be sure to also read the article's external comments for more useful info. I also posted a clutch repair article in the same section.

The 550 is the younger brother of the Super 55. My 550 Dsl is my favorite rig at my place.

HTH



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super55ollie

01-13-2005 09:24:02




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 Re: opinions on Oliver 55 in reply to LK, 01-13-2005 08:26:08  
The Super 55 is a great little tractor. In my opinion the PTO, while live, is the tractors weak spot. Before buying from a private party I would ask to see the PTO run something. At auction I would check to see if the PTO lever engages in the proper manner. Early models that have a short lever should take about 55 ft.lbs. of pull to engauge. Newer models with a longer lever and have a detent that you must push in require only about 35 ftlbs. of pull. It is an easy adjustment but if the clutches are shot or the clutch bearing is bad it can be an expensive fix. These are still readily available through AGCO dealers and some aftermaket parts dealers. If you get a good one you will have it till your estate sale.

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StuBC

01-13-2005 11:07:59




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 Re: opinions on Oliver 55 in reply to super55ollie, 01-13-2005 09:24:02  
Clutch question, on my Super 55 with a brand new set of PTO clutch disks and rebuild, the clutch is adjusted as tight as possible but I dont have 35lb of pull to engage. It is less and I cant get it tighter. It works and does not slip yet, but I want to improve the pressure to engage so its locked better. Any ideas?



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super55ollie

01-13-2005 12:05:50




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 Re: opinions on Oliver 55 in reply to StuBC, 01-13-2005 11:07:59  
The only thing I can think of off hand is to ask if the Bearing used to engage & disengage the clutch is worn? The grease fitting on the side of the case is used to lube this bearing. It is usually neglected or OVER greased. slop it the bearing would cause not being able to get 35lbs. before it cams over. When you open the inspection cover operate the lever. you should see a part that looks as though it is made of bronze. With your hand or a pair of pliers try to see if there is any play in it other than up and down the shaft. If I remember this is about the most expensive piece of the PTO to replace. I'm use my PTO out 85% of the time on my 55. In six years I have replaced the bearing once and the clutches once. The bearing because the previous owner and myself neglected it. The clutches because I believe I over greased it. Now I use only a 1/4 to 1/2 a stroke with a hand gun per 5hrs. I still may be over greasing it but want to know some is on it.. Other than that if its working I would say don't mess with it. The last month this summer I mowed with mine locked it engaged because a allen set screw backed off. Just got mine back together last week. I don't mean to sound like an expert. I'm not. Just know what I have experienced. Seemed like my grandfather would send his to the dealer about every other year for the pto, but what the hech, it gets me out of the house in the evenings when things start closing it from the wife and kids. Let me know if I can be of anymore help.

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Jim Perdue

01-14-2005 14:04:46




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 Re: opinions on Oliver 55 in reply to super55ollie, 01-13-2005 12:05:50  
Buy it if it is a good price. I bought my 550 for $1500 and the thing is a tank. I know I could make a profit in about an hour. You just don"t see alot of them and it is an excellent tractor.



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