Oliver SUPER55 5.00 star(s) (4)

Hopefully Running Soon
Model Year: 1954

This tractor sat on a family farm on the side of the road for 19 years, after it started burning more oil than gas. I had at the time, a JD420 w/loader which I used to rebuild a small hobby farm, and had it rebuilt for sale. I had over the years tried to buy the 55 because it was small, all the metal was there and looked like a great rebuild. After 4 years the owner sold me the tractor for $500. I had Les Schwab come out on a 100 degree day and replace 4 very flat tires. My wife towed me the 10 miles home so I knew the brakes and clutch were at least working and the pistons free. I began by having the gas tank, radiator, starter, and generator rebuilt (6v). Ordered hoses, belts, carb, tune-up kit, dist cap, decals and coil. So before I could do the engine rebuild we sold the farm. We put every thing in storage for 7 years and full-time RV'd. Moved into a home in Oregon 3 years ago, and I have my tractor with me. I almost sold it, but my daughter-in-law's father owns several 55s and just bought another for $500 for a tear down with a good running engine. He is going to swap engines with me. He lives 500 miles from me, but you guessed it, my old motor is broken loose, and I'm ready to make a 500 mile drive ASAP. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel for this ole gal and I can't wait to get it running. All because of a very generous man who loves Super 55s. My serial #6459 and will be all meadow green and safety yellow. Nice to be with you at this site.

Pros: Small, simple, and good looking.
Cons: Manual steering.

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Super 55 Restore to Life (?)
Model Year: 1955

This tractor was given to my son, free, and in non-operational status, by his next-door neighbor. My son asked me if I would like to take it on as a project, as he has neither the time nor the background to attempt such a restoration. Soooo...It came with a large Wagner Iron Works Front End Loader, making it a most difficult, awkward project, and required removing in order to work on engine, etc. My son lives about 3-1/2 hours away, so I only get to work on the tractor a few days in the summers. It is out in the open yard. I've replaced the starter motor, the alternator, the muffler, the exhaust pipe, the battery, and the oil filter base so far. I designed and built a unit to convert the 6v generator to a 3-wire 12v alternator system. I got the engine running, but there came a loud knocking which I'm going to have to investigate. Sounds like a rod or main bearing. The clutch is frozen to the flywheel, and the clutch release pedal linkage is broken, so getting the transmission in gear is not possible yet. I'm anticipating doing a Z split this coming summer.

Pros: Could be an interesting and fun restoration.
Cons: Too many frustrations getting in the way of progress.

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I Love My Oliver
Model Year: 1955

Where to start. Well for a tractor to last over 50 years of working fields and such I believe that is a testament to the quality of the tractor. The Super 55 is pretty much Oliver's way of taking the Ford 8N and improving on it. Mine is a 35hp gasser and I had originally had my reservations as to how a gas tractor would do in the field pulling a double bottom plow. After hooking up and a couple rounds it was apparent this thing was built and designed around plowing in mind. Just pulled it beautifully with draft control and just the sound of the old tractor humming along can't help but put a smile on your face. The tractor is a good small farm tractor that will do what you need of it. Turning radius is fantastic, live PTO, good torque. If someone was looking for a tractor to hobby farm or food plot with it would be a safe bet. I think mine could handle a JD 14T or 24T baler with ease.

Pros: Tractor was completely engineered with farming in mind. Easy to work on.
Cons: As other review states front axle weak. It is plenty strong enough for the tractor itself but was never designed to handle the stresses of a front end loader.

Oldie but Goodie
Model Year: 1955

In the early '70's I had only a Davis loader on it and managed to dig out the basement foundation of my house with it. A 55 gal drum filled with rocks on the drawbar gave it traction. After the house and 1/5 mile driveway the Oliver sat in the woods for 25 years. Then I got it running again and re-built the diesel and fitted it with a York rake for driveway maintenance duty. Tough machine! Google Honders Hydro for more info.

Pros: Tough machine easy to work on.
Cons: Weak front axle had to be reworked.