Introduction
Oliver 550 Utility Tractor
The Oliver 550 is a utility tractor manufactured between 1958 and 1975 in Charles City, Iowa. As part of the series including the 440, 660, and Super 55, it served as a versatile machine designed for diverse agricultural operations.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a liquid-cooled, four-cylinder Waukesha-Oliver diesel engine. With a displacement of 155 cubic inches (2.5 liters) and a compression ratio of 16:1, the engine delivers 46 horsepower at a rated speed of 2000 RPM. It utilizes an oil bath air cleaner for intake filtration and a 12-volt starter system.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 550 utilizes a gear-type transmission providing six forward speeds and two reverse speeds. Power is transferred through a dry disc clutch to a two-wheel drive system. Braking is handled by differential mechanical dry disc brakes, and steering is equipped with power assist for improved maneuverability.
Hydraulics and PTO
The hydraulic system is an open-center design with a total capacity of 2.5 gallons (9.5 liters) and a pump flow rate of 5.25 gallons per minute (19.9 liters per minute). The tractor features an independent rear PTO capable of operating at both 540 and 1000 RPM, allowing for the use of various implements.
Dimensions and Configuration
Built on a 72.9-inch (185 cm) wheelbase, the tractor has an overall length of 119.9 inches (304 cm). The front and rear tread widths are adjustable between 48 and 76 inches (121 to 193 cm). It is equipped with 6.00-16 front agricultural tires and 12-26 rear agricultural tires, featuring an open operator station.
Conclusion
The Oliver 550 is a robust utility tractor suited for general agricultural tasks. Its combination of a 46-horsepower engine, independent PTO, and adjustable tread width makes it a flexible machine for smaller to mid-sized farming operations and a notable model for historical machinery collectors.
Production Information of Oliver, 550
- During the first year of production the Oliver 550 had the same 2.4L engine as the Super 55.
- Utility tractor
- Original price was $4,400 in 1975
- Built in Charles City, Iowa, USA
| Manufacturer | Oliver |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer(optional) | 3,915 (Cockshutt) |
| Total built | 20,368 (Oliver) |
Dimension and Tires Information of Oliver, 550
| Wheelbase | 72.9 inches [185 cm] |
|---|---|
| Front tread | 48 to 76 inches [121 to 193 cm] |
| Height (hood) | 50.1 inches [127 cm] |
| Length | 119.9 inches [304 cm] |
| Rear tread | 48 to 76 inches [121 to 193 cm] |
| Height (steering wheel) | 58 inches [147 cm] |
| Ag front | 6.00-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 12-26 |
Engine Specifications of Oliver, 550
- Waukesha-Oliver
- Liquid-cooled
- Diesel
- 4-cylinder
| Oil capacity | 4 qts [3.8 L] |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 155 ci [2.5 L] |
| Compression | 16:1 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.625x3.75 inches [92 x 95 mm] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Rated RPM | 2000 |
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
Transmission Information of Oliver, 550
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 20 qts [18.9 L] |
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
Mechanical Specs of Oliver, 550
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Differential mechanical dry disc brakes
| Steering | Power assist |
|---|
Power Information of Oliver, 550
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540/1000 |
Hydraulics Specifications of Oliver, 550
| Type | Open center |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2.5 gal [9.5 L] |
| Pump flow | 5.25 gpm [19.9 lpm] |
Three-Point Hitch of Oliver, 550
| Rear Type | I |
|---|
Electrical System of Oliver, 550
| Ground | Positive |
|---|---|
| Ground(optional) | 12 (gas) |
| Battery volts | 6 (diesel) |
| Batteries | 2 (diesel) |
| Batteries(optional) | 1 (gas) |
Where it sits
With 46 hp[P] HP, the Oliver 550 sits just above 660 (45 HP) in Oliver's range. Its power puts it in the 68th percentile of 1950s models in our database (592 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Oliver 550 have?
The Oliver 550 delivers 46 hp[P] HP.
What years was the Oliver 550 produced?
The Oliver 550 was produced in 1958-1975.
What engine does the Oliver 550 have?
The Oliver 550 is powered by a Diesel, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Oliver 550 use?
The Oliver 550 uses a Gear transmission.
Is the Oliver 550 4WD?
The Oliver 550 is available in 2WD.