Oliver 500 tractors RRlund a few questions

[NY 986]

You could get a 550 in to 1975, but technically they replaced them with the Fiat built tractors in 1968. They changed the designation of the 550s to a White 2-44 and turned the sale of them over to the Construction Equipment Division. Ag dealers could still order a 550, but they had to be ordered through the CED and it cost an extra $34 to get them painted green.

Looking at Tractor Data I would say that the 550 had a price advantage over the Fiats even though the Fiats enjoyed an advantage in terms of currency exchange. Several hundred dollars difference was a pretty big deal back then. Assuming Oliver would have built the 660 or 770 into the 1970's the 1255 probably would have been less expensive in the US. Certainly cheaper than the 1555 but not by much.

 

[rrlund]

I’m a DB novice but the gas engine in the 3800/ 4600 are not the “tub” frame like the rest of the DB line of that era and size. I can’t speak for the DB/Oliver gas engines.View attachment 104031View attachment 104032View attachment 104033

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[Not db4600]

Parts are available from CaseIH and from most aftermarket parts sources. Just look for parts for a DB 850. My 500 diesel needed a fuel pump when I bought it. The CaseIH dealer had one right on the shelf. That leads me to one caution on them. As Kevin mentioned, there are two versions. On the early ones with the 6 bolt rear wheels, the serial numbers start with 2 0/A, all of the nuts and bolts are British Whitworth threads. The diameter and thread count are the same, but the pitch is different. Just run a tap in the holes and chase the threads and you can use standard threads bolts. When I bought that new fuel pump, the base was thicker and needed longer bolts. I ran a tap in the holes in the block and used bolts right out of the bin.

The later ones with eight bolt wheels use all American Standard threads. If you plan to use the 3 point, there might be an issue unless you get the original center link with them. They had a spring in the center link and there was a cable that hooked to them. That cable moved in and out as the spring extended and retracted. You can use a regular center link, but without that draft sensing link, you have no draft control. I have the one for my 600, it came with it, but I've been looking for one for my 500s for years. They're just not out there. Somebody posted a picture here on one of the forums on YT a while back, of two of them. A long one for a 600 and a shorter one for a 500. He didn't know what they were for. I told him and asked if he'd sell the shorter one, but he just said not right now.

I'm not telling you to hold out for a late one with the 2 0/C serial number, but it would be preferable. Trouble is, the majority of them were the early ones with the Whitworth bolts. Don't let that be a deal killer, just get yourself a good tap and die set.

The water pump went out of the 4600 2 winters back. If memory serves me I got a pump for an 885 online which was a bit different. So a tear down ensued and I was able to place parts into the 4600 casting which is still running today. As Randy says CNH is a good domestic source from my experiences.

 

[rrlund]

The water pump went out of the 4600 2 winters back. If memory serves me I got a pump for an 885 online which was a bit different. So a tear down ensued and I was able to place parts into the 4600 casting which is still running today. As Randy says CNH is a good domestic source from my experiences.

The water pump went bad on my 600 this spring. I got one online. I believe I got it from the owner of this site. The mistake I made was ordering it by serial number before I took it off and looked at it. One was five bolt, the other was six. I think I ordered the five and it turned out to be a six when I took the old one off. No big deal. I ordered the right one and sent the other one back for a refund.

 

[Oliver 500 Wa]

I have had no trouble getting the water pump and fuel pump I have needed from the local Case dealer. Filters from NAPA. Mine was converted to a GM alternator when I got it. Very reliable machine.

The late version 500 still has some Whitworth fasteners. Pretty much everything on the engine. Most of the rest is SAE. Old fella I bought mine from said the best tools to buy for working on it would be a tap and die set.

 

[jhwis]

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Rrlund has forgotten more Oliver knowledge than most people will ever even know. Quite amazing.

 

[sladetb]

Am trying to get the serial number to find out if its early or late edition. Owner is asking $1500 not sure if that is a good price or not.

 

[rrlund]

Am trying to get the serial number to find out if its early or late edition. Owner is asking $1500 not sure if that is a good price or not.

Is it gas of diesel?

 

[sladetb]

Gas version

 

[rrlund]

Gas version

Might be a touch on the high end. If it's in real nice shape and ready to use, I guess getting something that doesn't need work is worth something. The one issue with the gassers is the Solex carburetor. I put an electric shut off in the gas line on mine so it shuts the gas off when I turn off the key. David Maguire has two of them. His Dad bought one new. He said that his dad told him that the first thing you do after you shut them off is turn off the gas. The float isn't attached to anything. It's just a little ring that floats up and down freely. Import Tractor Parts had three new hand made rebuild kits advertised on their web site several years ago. They said no rain checks, when they're gone, they're gone.

 

[sladetb]

Was told the gas tank needs cleaned out and filter may be clogged up. Guessing it may need new gas tank for coated.

 

[JOCCO]

Might be a touch on the high end. If it's in real nice shape and ready to use, I guess getting something that doesn't need work is worth something. The one issue with the gassers is the Solex carburetor. I put an electric shut off in the gas line on mine so it shuts the gas off when I turn off the key. David Maguire has two of them. His Dad bought one new. He said that his dad told him that the first thing you do after you shut them off is turn off the gas. The float isn't attached to anything. It's just a little ring that floats up and down freely. Import Tractor Parts had three new hand made rebuild kits advertised on their web site several years ago. They said no rain checks, when they're gone, they're gone.

Boy RR, I stirred up quit a hornet's nest here, didn't I? I told one other guy to contact you on here as he had David Brown Questions.

 

[sladetb]

All good information. Learning about these David Brown and Oliver tractors. Am used to the Ford's and Massey's

 

[Oliver 500 Wa]

Am trying to get the serial number to find out if its early or late edition. Owner is asking $1500 not sure if that is a good price or not.

If it's gas, it's an early version.