Introduction
Oliver 1550 Row-Crop Tractor
The Oliver 1550 is a row-crop tractor produced between 1965 and 1969 in Charles City, Iowa, USA. Designed for agricultural versatility, this two-wheel drive machine served as a core model in the Oliver lineup during the mid-to-late 1960s.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by an Oliver 6-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 232 cubic inches (3.8 liters). Engineered to run on LP-gas, the engine delivers 58 horsepower at a rated speed of 2200 RPM. It features a compression ratio of 8.75:1 and utilizes a dry-type air cleaner.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 1550 offers two transmission configurations. The Hydra-Power transmission features a partial power shift system providing 12 forward and 4 reverse gears, allowing for two-speed power shifting between direct-drive and the Hydra-Power range. Alternatively, an unsynchronized gear transmission with 6 forward and 2 reverse gears was available. Both options utilize a 279.4 mm dry disc clutch.
Hydraulics and PTO
The tractor is equipped with an independent rear PTO capable of operating at 540 or 1000 RPM. The rear hitch is a category II/I system, featuring lower-link draft sensing for precise implement control during field operations.
Chassis and Dimensions
Built on a two-wheel drive chassis, the Oliver 1550 includes power-assist steering and disc brakes. It has a wheelbase of 99 inches and an overall length of 154.6 inches. The operating weight is 7000 lbs, which can be increased to 8730 lbs with ballast. The operator station is open, with an optional Oliver Continental cab available for increased protection.
Conclusion
The Oliver 1550 is a reliable, mid-range row-crop tractor suited for varied farming operations. Its combination of Hydra-Power shifting, draft-sensing hitch, and robust 6-cylinder engine provided the necessary flexibility for standard agricultural tasks of its era.
Production Information of Oliver, 1550
- Original price was $6,000 in 1969
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in Charles City, Iowa, USA
| Manufacturer | Oliver |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Oliver, 1550
| Rear tread | 55 to 90.9 inches [139 to 230 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 99 inches [251 cm] |
| Operating weight | 7000 lbs [3175 kg] |
| Height (exhaust) | 97.625 inches [247 cm] |
| Length | 154.6 inches [392 cm] |
| Ballasted weight | 8730 lbs [3959 kg] |
| Width | 81.5 inches [207 cm] |
| Ag front | 6.00-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 15.5-38 |
Engine Specifications of Oliver, 1550
- Oliver
- Liquid-cooled
- LP-gas
- 6-cylinder
| Oil capacity | 5 qts [4.7 L] |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 232 ci [3.8 L] |
| Compression | 8.75:1 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.625x3.75 inches [92 x 95 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 20 qts [18.9 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Air cleaner | Dry |
Transmission Information of Oliver, 1550
Transmission variants 1
- The Hydra-Power transmission provides a two-speed power shift between direct-drive and the lower Hydra-Power range.
| Transmission | Hydra-Power |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 32 qts [30.3 L] |
| Clutch | 279.4mm dry disc |
| Type | Partial power shift |
| Gears | 12 forward and 4 reverse |
Transmission variants 2
| Type | Unsynchronized gear |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 32 qts [30.3 L] |
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch | 279.4mm dry disc |
- 12-speed partial power shift
- 6-speed unsynchronized gear
Mechanical Specs of Oliver, 1550
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station. Oliver Continental cab optional.
- Disc brakes
| Steering | Power assist |
|---|
Power Information of Oliver, 1550
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO(optional) | 540/1000 |
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
| Rear PTO Type(optional) | 1000 |
Three-Point Hitch of Oliver, 1550
| Rear Type | II/I |
|---|---|
| Control | Lower-link draft sensing |
Where it sits
With 58 hp[P] HP, the Oliver 1550 sits between 770 (52 HP) and 1650 (73 HP) in Oliver's range. Its power puts it in the 60th percentile of 1960s models in our database (709 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Oliver 1550 have?
The Oliver 1550 delivers 58 hp[P] HP.
What years was the Oliver 1550 produced?
The Oliver 1550 was produced in 1965-1969.
What engine does the Oliver 1550 have?
The Oliver 1550 is powered by a LP-gas, 6-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Oliver 1550 use?
The Oliver 1550 uses a Hydra-Power transmission.
How much does the Oliver 1550 weigh?
The Oliver 1550 weighs 7000 lbs [3175 kg].
Is the Oliver 1550 4WD?
The Oliver 1550 is available in 2WD.