1655 shifting and 3 point

[sodly]

Couple of basic Oliver operation questions.

Can anyone clue me in to how easily a 1655 shifts from forward to reverse? I'm thinking of bush hogging and having to go around obstacles, lots of backing up and pulling ahead going around trees. I know some tractors are really hard to shift when the T/A is in high (i.e. Minneapolis Moline). Does Oliver suffer from this issue? Or is it just as easy to shift regardless of the range you're in (over/direct/under), presuming you're stopped?

Also, does an Oliver 3 point control lever work like most tractors I've been around where the position of the lever represents the position of the 3 point arms? In other words, down on the quadrant = down arms. Half way up on the control lever= half way up on the arms. Fully raised lever = fully raised arms. And it stays where you put it. I know on older MMs there is a "raise" area of the quadrant and a "lower" area of the quadrant. In the middle is "hold." But the quadrant position does not really correspond with the current position of the arms. They work more like a hydraulic valve on a loader.... either "up," "hold," or "down". Not a fan.

 

[rrlund]

Position of the lever indicates position of the 3pt arms yes. As for the shift, the hydrapower two speed and three speed over under don't like to turn backwards in direct and over drive. If you're in gear in direct and the tractor is trying to roll the other way, you'll have trouble getting it out of gear unless you pull it in to under drive to take the pressure off. If you're looking at one to buy and want to use the 3pt, for the love of God make sure the top link comes with it. Everybody on here will know what I'm talking about.

 

[sodly]

On an MM you aren't supposed to use LOW until the rear end oil has warmed up. Is this the case with a 1655 as well? Or can you use any range, any time, for as long as you want?

 

[rrlund]

Ya, the two speed and three speed are totally independent units that are bolted to the back of the engine and have nothing to do with the transmission or rear end.

 

[scootergmc]

Also- know they freewheel in under, so if you're on hilly ground, make sure your brakes work.

Also, as suggested, make sure it comes with the factory top link, or a comparable highly functional homemade link, as we've seen the headaches of some here who have tried to cobble replacements.

 

[sodly]

So you can run in low from a cold start?

Direct and high do NOT freewheel?

 

[rrlund]

So you can run in low from a cold start?

Direct and high do NOT freewheel?

Correct on both.

 

[greg krush]

I have 2 1655s, One shifts better than the other, shifting can be difficult in over and under, but direct shifts well, R2 is opposite 4th for easy shifting, R2 might be a bit fast for manuvering around trees. Also be aware of freewheeling if working on hills.