Introduction
Oliver 1255 Utility Tractor
The Oliver 1255 is a utility tractor produced between 1969 and 1971, manufactured in Italy by Fiat. It serves as a direct successor to the Oliver 1250-A, having been rebranded to align with the manufacturer's 55-series nomenclature. This machine is designed for general agricultural tasks, offering a balance of mechanical simplicity and operational versatility.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a Fiat 8035 3-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engine. With a displacement of 142.8 cubic inches (2.3 liters) and a compression ratio of 17:1, the engine produces 42 horsepower at a rated speed of 2400 RPM. It utilizes a direct injection fuel system and an oil bath air cleaner to maintain efficiency under various field conditions.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 1255 features a manual gear transmission with a 254mm dry disc clutch. Operators could choose between a standard 6-speed forward and 2-speed reverse configuration or a 9-speed forward and 3-speed reverse creeper transmission. The tractor was available in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive variants to suit different terrain requirements.
Hydraulics and Hitch
Equipped with a Category I/II three-point hitch, the tractor provides position and draft control for implement management. The hydraulic system operates at a pressure of 2133 psi with a standard pump flow of 5.76 gpm, with an optional higher-capacity pump available to increase flow to 12 gpm. The rear lift capacity is rated at 2660 lbs.
Operator Station and Controls
The tractor features an open operator station with manual steering as standard, while power-assisted steering was offered as an optional upgrade. Braking is provided by mechanical band brakes. The electrical system utilizes a 6-volt battery setup with an alternator-based charging system.
Conclusion
The Oliver 1255 is a compact utility tractor suited for small to mid-sized farm operations requiring a reliable, mechanical-drive machine. Its availability in both 2WD and 4WD configurations, combined with the option for creeper gears, makes it a versatile tool for varied cultivation and light-duty traction tasks.
Production Information of Oliver, 1255
- Original price was $4,600 in 1971
- Built in Italy
- The Oliver 1255 is the same tractor as the earlier model 1250-A. The name was changed to 1255 for the 1970 model year, to correspond with the other 55-series Oliver tractors.
- Utility tractor
| Distributor | Oliver |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Fiat |
Dimension and Tires Information of Oliver, 1255
| 2WD Clearance (front axle) | 18.25 inches [46 cm] |
|---|---|
| 2WD Wheelbase | 75.625 inches [192 cm] |
| 2WD Width | 62.875 inches [159 cm] |
| 4WD Length | 119.5 inches [303 cm] |
| 4WD Wheelbase | 71.375 inches [181 cm] |
| 4WD Height (steering wheel) | 63 inches [160 cm] |
| 4WD Width | 68 inches [172 cm] |
| 2WD Length | 115 inches [292 cm] |
| 4WD Clearance (front axle) | 14.375 inches [36 cm] |
| 4WD Shipping weight | 4300 lbs [1950 kg] |
| 2WD Shipping weight | 3710 lbs [1682 kg] |
| 2WD Height (steering wheel) | 58.625 inches [148 cm] |
| Ag rear | 13.6-28 |
|---|---|
| 2WD Ag front | 6.00-16 |
| Ag front | 7.50-10 |
| 4WD Ag rear | 16.9-30 |
| 4WD Ag front | 9.50-24 |
| 4WD Ag front(optional) | 14.9-28 |
| 4WD Ag front(optional) | 7.50-16 |
| 2WD Ag rear | 12.4-28 |
| 2WD Ag rear(optional) | 18.4-16A |
Engine Specifications of Oliver, 1255
- Fiat 8035
- Liquid-cooled
- Diesel
- 3-cylinder
| Starter volts | 12 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 142.8 ci [2.3 L] |
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.74x4.33 inches [95 x 110 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 13.5 qts [12.8 L] |
| Oil capacity | 8.25 qts [7.8 L] |
| Rated RPM | 2400 |
| Compression | 17:1 |
| Fuel system | Direct injection |
Transmission Information of Oliver, 1255
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 18 qts [17.0 L] |
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch | 254mm dry disc |
Transmission variants 2
| Type | Creeper |
|---|---|
| Gears | 9 forward and 3 reverse |
- 6-speed gear
- 9-speed creeper
Mechanical Specs of Oliver, 1255
- Two- or four-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Mechanical band brakes
| Steering | Manual |
|---|---|
| Steering(optional) | Power |
Power Information of Oliver, 1255
| Rear PTO | Live (two-stage clutch) |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540/ground (1.375) |
Hydraulics Specifications of Oliver, 1255
| Capacity | 4.5 gal [17.0 L] |
|---|---|
| Capacity(optional) | 12 gpm [45.4 lpm] |
| Pressure | 2133 psi [147.1 bar] |
| Pump flow | 5.76 gpm [21.8 lpm] |
Optional, additional pump.
Three-Point Hitch of Oliver, 1255
| Rear Type | II/I |
|---|---|
| Control | Position and draft control |
| Rear lift | 2660 lbs [1206 kg] |
Electrical System of Oliver, 1255
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 6 |
| Batteries | 2 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Charging amps | 42 |
Where it sits
With 42 hp[P] HP, the Oliver 1255 sits just below 1265 (45 HP) in Oliver's range. Its power puts it in the 38th percentile of 1960s models in our database (709 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Oliver 1255 have?
The Oliver 1255 delivers 42 hp[P] HP.
What years was the Oliver 1255 produced?
The Oliver 1255 was produced in 1969-1971.
What engine does the Oliver 1255 have?
The Oliver 1255 is powered by a Diesel, 3-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Oliver 1255 use?
The Oliver 1255 uses a Gear transmission.
How much does the Oliver 1255 weigh?
The Oliver 1255 weighs 4300 lbs [1950 kg].
Is the Oliver 1255 4WD?
The Oliver 1255 is available in 2WD/4WD.