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Skywalker3
01-03-2007 19:13:54
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Re: Buying a 550...any advice would be helpful! in reply to Eastsider, 01-03-2007 12:36:05
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Yes small world, I was surprised too. I checked the serial number, under clutch pedal on left, and it appears to be a 1961. OK, I am no expert, but was in town today and here are the pros and cons I saw on it. Pros: nice tires, newer battery, vickers remote hyd. valve (right side of seat, very rare and sought after sell for about $400), rear wheel weights (inside), rear tires filled with liquid, front pump for loader (front pump is faster than running off of tractor hyd.) fluid appears to be contained in loader frame, easy access separate filter, engine oil looked new, clutch pedal still has 'nubs' on it so 4400 hrs on tach may be acurate??, PTO lever appeared to work and snapped back into place, tin looked good, 4 lights ugly but functional.
Cons: The PTO inspection cover has a fluid leak, it is a dry clutch system and should not have a leak there, read Shep's article for more detail. This would be a concern and I had the same problem with mine when I bought it, had to replace all PTO clutch plates. Tractor looks like it has sat outside its whole life, has been poorly repainted, most hyd hoses old and cracked, muffler rerouted, oil pan banged up, no Power Steering, front axle stops have been welded, gauges broken, generator not original, fuel filter and shut off valve not original, coolant heater is just plain ugly.
Over all if it runs good I think $3500 is a fair price. I paid around $6000 for mine, but it is in much better original condition, a 1974, and I purchased from a dealer. All of these lead to a higher price. I sold a 8n with a loader last year for $2600. The Oliver is a much better tractor with more HP, live pto, live hyd. If they could get the price down a bit more it would be a great deal, especially if it is a hunting shack tractor. Hope this helps. Luke Millette
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