50 models vs 55 models

[chas036]

I am curious how the 55 series of Oliver tractors like the 1855 diesel and gas models, how they compare to the 50 series?

I know the 1850 had the Perkins engine, but other than that, do the 55 series have any inherent problems or design flaws that would keep you from buying one with 6 to 8 thousand hours? Also how was the 1755 diesel tractor in comparison to the 1750 diesel?

 

[TASO]

I would buy a 1850 over any of the 55 series. The Waukashaw engines in the 55 series do not have a good reputation and, if there is no proof of a recent rebuild by a reputable mechanic, will not likely last past 6000 hours. Others may disagree.
I have bad experience with broken crankshafts on two Waukashaw engines with less than 5000 hours on them and I have become wary of those engines. Parts for Waukashaw engines are getting hard to find also.
However, if the price on the 55 series is cheap and a Cummins repower kit is affordable to you, go for it. The Cummins repowers are great tractors.

 

[rrlund]

If you're going to spend that much money, you'd probably be better off to spend it on a White 2-85 or 2-105. They're 1855s with the 354 Perkins.

 

[rrlund]

I'll give you a little more info on the differences. The 55 series had way better brakes and hydraulics. They had closed center hydraulics and hydraulic brake actuators. The 50 series had open center and mechanical brakes.

as far as those engines,the gas versions were pretty much the same in both series. The diesels were the same cubic inch displacement in both the 17 and 1855s,but the 18 had a turbo. They held up a lot better in the naturally aspirated 17s. They had a two piece wrist pin bushing,and with the turbo,they tended to mash those bushings out,the rod bolts would break and they'd put a large vent hole in the block. If they were updated to one piece bushings,had hardened rod bolts,a deeper oil pan to hold more oil,and an oil cooler installed,they could be a pretty good tractor.

Personally,if I was actively looking for one,I'd take the 1755 diesel over the 18 or either gas version for sure.

 

[stpaul]

HYDRAULICS ARE SO MUCH BETTER IN 55'S