1855 OLIVER

[JLB2]

i just bought the 1855 4wd oliver that i learned to drive on 30+ years ago from the original owner, it has been sitting for 10 years with a hole in the block. with this deal i got a 95 dodge truck with a strong running cummings.i am a heavy equipment mechanic so making it run will not be difficult, iam looking for some input on the best route to take.stay with 310? or go with the cummings? if i go with the cummings what would i need and where do i source? the original motor is complete so that seems like it would be easier ,but are the parts for them easily obtained?i am not concerned about making this tractor original as it came,but i dont want something that is butchered either.thanks jim. my email is [email protected]

 

[super99]

search the archives on this site, lots of posts on 1855 with Cummins engine. Chris

 

[Anonymous-0]

What are your intentions for the tractor? If it's just going to do some recreational work, I wouldn't worry a bit about rebuilding the 310, a proper overhaul will give good reliable service. If you want a 150 hp 1855 that will be your main workhorse, go with the Cummins, especially since you already have the engine. Usually buying the engine makes rebuilding the 310 the more economical option, but in this case, you have the engine and you know you have to get a block (and quite possibly a crankshaft depending on the severity of the failure that led to the hole in the block) which bumps up the overhaul cost of the 310. Your cheaper option may very well be to use the Cummins in this case, but, if I were you, I'd keep the 310 around and not butcher up the tractor too badly as an 1855 diesel MFWD is a pretty hot collector tractor, and it could be worth more with the original engine and stock appearance. That would cause me to rebuild the 310. An 1850 bathtub for your Cummins shouldn't be too difficult to find - not sure what the going rate is for them, maybe about the same price as a block for a 310 so then it's a horse a piece.