My Tractor Mechanic is not happy

[DappleDoxieStaff]

dose it run ?? at $2800 and if it runs with 4 implements (don't know what they are but just in implements alone you get most of that money back) it's a good deal especially now days... you wont lose money even if you sent it for scraps, there is not much that can go wrong with these tractors and I am sure AGCO still have some parts for it .... their is nothing wrong with a gas tractor this small... pictures of the implements and tractor would help knowing how good of a deal it is or even knowing what are the implements are.

She does!! He sent a video of her running and going down the road!! I am getting a disk, harrow, planter and sprayer. And I NEED the harrow and the sprayer!!

 

[DappleDoxieStaff]

thinking out of the box ...

you could probably sell the tractor and the implements for a nice profit and then your mechanic would be happy. if that was your "intended plan" (hint hint) then you don't need supervision.

LOLOLOL ... the thought crossed my mind!! I am getting a disk, harrow, planter and sprayer in the deal. I need the harrow and the sprayer. The disc ( I have a tiller) and the planter are going down the road.
If we get into the Oliver and she has major holes ... then she gets rehomed, I have new implements and my Mechanic can help shop for something he feels is a better fit.
WinWin!!

 

[fidowanttobe]

She does!! He sent a video of her running and going down the road!! I am getting a disk, harrow, planter and sprayer. And I NEED the harrow and the sprayer!!

Then I would say you did very good! Unsupervised.

 

[PreacherM]

The old gassers are usually pretty reliable and easy starting. The diesels of that era weren't that great and started hard. Unless they were rebuilt with better pistons, etc. They definitely don't have the torque of a diesel though.
Do yourself a favor and replace the distributor points with an electric ignition. No adjustments needed and makes it run better.

 

[blacktruck]

I may have bought a 1955 Oliver Super 55 with four implements, delivered, for $2,800.
My mechanic is rolling his eyes because it is elderly and it is gas. But he was at his folks' place or wheat harvest,
I was unsupervised!!!
Is he going to be right in the long run? Did I want a diesel??

You're mechanic is wrong. The Oliver is a fine old tractor. On a tractor you would put a lot of hours on, I would prefer a diesel. On a a mower tractor or limited use tractor, the gas engine will be good. They're easier to start and parts are still fairly available if needed. With the implements and tractor together, you got a smoking deal. You could easily make a profit if you don't like it.

 

[airbiscuit]

I would recommend using ethanol free gas and adding lead substitute to the gas (and maybe Seafoam).

 

[oosik]

My first "tractor" - an Oliver Cletrack. It ran like a racehorse. Didn't take long to realize - driving my property like Rommel coming over the dunes at Tobruk was gonna be the death of me. I took it back to the dealer and got a brand new '82 Ford 1700 4WD.

 

[EddinKY]

You will love it! I have 3 old (1960's) Massey Ferguson gas tractors that I mow with. Easy start, simple, and you won't use enough fuel in a year to notice any difference between gas and diesel usage. Your tractor has a very good reputation as reliable. Why do I have 3? I hate changing equipment, so I have a tractor for each job.

 

[OzarkChris]

She does!! He sent a video of her running and going down the road!! I am getting a disk, harrow, planter and sprayer. And I NEED the harrow and the sprayer!!

I'm guessing the planter (if it works) is worth more than you paid for the entire package.

 

[IH2424]

I may have bought a 1955 Oliver Super 55 with four implements, delivered, for $2,800.
My mechanic is rolling his eyes because it is elderly and it is gas. But he was at his folks' place or wheat harvest,
I was unsupervised!!!
Is he going to be right in the long run? Did I want a diesel??

Tractors of that era were built to last forever, with minimal care. As long as it seems to run OK and the rear tires are in decent shape, you will be very happy. They are simple enough that you should be able to do a fair amount of repair and maintenance work yourself, if you have the interest. That particular model is highly sought after - I would say you got a great deal. It will take 10 times the abuse a modern compact diesel would, and still survive just fine. Change the oil regularly and try to run non-ethanol as others have said.

Tim

 

[GB540]

What's your mechanic really not happy about? Knowing he won't be getting calls to deal with broken plastics, electrical problems, regeneration issues etc.?

Give this girl a little care and it'll run another 67 years.

 

[Jstpssng]

A good running older tractor is an eye catcher and fun to use. Sure, you might find a few idiosyncities but yo will learn how to work with them. The older tractors were designed to be fixed by the farmer in the field. If your mechanic doesn't like it replace him, not the tractor.

 

[murphy1244]

She does!! He sent a video of her running and going down the road!! I am getting a disk, harrow, planter and sprayer. And I NEED the harrow and the sprayer!!

Nice looking machine!

 

[Little Red Tractor]

If memory serves me correctly, the 55 has a six-speed transmissin and live PTO. I think it's more than a match for a pretty good-sized rotary cutter. I still love the old green machines (not that "other" green) along with the old red ones.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Yep, you got a good deal even if you have some repairs to do. The implements are worth more than that price!

 

[azbinder]

A friend has 3 Olivers. An OC3 crawler, a Super 55, and a row crop 77. All 3 have been restored and he runs them in his local tractor club pulls. This is me on his 55 pulling the sled.

 

[Bentrim]

Even if Oliver is not produced anymore Agco does still supply parts. There is an Oliver group that carries most manuals and covers a lot of Oliver history and may be even to give you some facts and figures of your tractor.
As has been stated those older tractors especially the smaller sizes were almost always sold as gassers, yes diesel was available but were usually harder to start when cold and mechanics were afraid of them. Gasoline engines of that period were easier to maintain, and usually changing the points, condenser, and spark plugs was all that was needed to get it running great again. With the advances made in electronics in the ignition systems points and condenser replacement became a lost art.
Those "oldies" were built to last even when abused, after all it still runs and appears to be in good shape.
FYI if interested Sherry Schaefer puts out a magazine called "Oliver Heritage". It contains a lot of info on Oliver and has many sources for Oliver parts sources. Might want to go to Oliver Heritage Magazine – Online – Oliver Heritage is the magazine for enthusiasts of all things Oliver. and take a look and maybe even subscribe.

Good luck with the Oliver

 

[Paystar]

Awesome! Don't regret it. Those old gas tractors are simple, cheap to fix and reliable as a stone. Your mechanic is only being negative because he knows he's gunna lose income from you because you will never have to get anything fixed.
I know my 1955 Allis is going to outlive EVERYTHING in my yard.

 

[airbiscuit]

 

[airbiscuit]