Oliver Backhoe

[Scott S.]

I recently purchased an Oliver backhoe. Since this is my first Oliver, I am trying to research the background of this machine. Machine data includes the following:

Engine: 1602201 ILB-100B 3269
Sherman Backhoe: Model 1258 (S/N 5061)
Spec: 45-0167 (S/N 81-224-519)

If anyone has knowledge of this machine or type of backhoe configuration, please reply. According to seller, he had never seen a backhoe like this. Thanks.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Its an oliver 550 under all the frames and added parts. Look up the year on the left of this page,don't use the last 3 numbers of s/n.

 

[AB]

I have a similar unit. Darn good tractor. There are a few of them out there. The basic tractor (Oliver 550) was made for a lot of years and was one of the best little utility tractors of it's day in my opinion. New and used parts for the tractor are available. Email me for more info if you need it.

 

[Anonymous-0]

AB,
Thanks for the info on the Oliver backhoe. The backhoe appears to be factory built since the hydraulic system is built into the rear of the tractor and the PTO is plated over. Do you own a similar backhoe? If so, can you tell me how to research the Sherman hydraulic system for parts or related production data? I would appreciate any info on the backhoe. Thanks.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Larry,
Thanks for the info on the backhoe. I followed your instructions on looking up serial number for backhoe. I dropped the first three digits from 81-224-519. If correct, the new reference number is 24-519. Under research & info on this page, I looked up the serial number under Oliver 550s. Is it a 1972? Am I looking up the info correctly. I appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

 

[Anonymous-0]

No, drop the last 3 numbers,so you get 81224 which is a 1959.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Larry,
Thanks for the correction. Can you help me answer additional questions? How do you find out how many of these backhoes were built? Did Oliver complete the attachment of the Sherman Model 1258 at the factory? Do you know if Oliver put out an industrial version? It has been painted yellow. However, some original green paint is visible on the 550. This particular backhoe came from a local farmer who owned and stored it under a shed for many years. Aside from the replacement of the original copper hydraulic lines with rubber, the machine appears original. It has strong hydraulic system and tight rebuilt motor with 18-inch bucket. Do you know of any websites pertaining to this type of backhoe? Thanks.

 

[AB]

There were industrial versions built. Production records are not readily available. There is a build card catalog of sorts that the museum has but no one has gone through it scientifically to acquire productions records of individual units. The tractor was built at Charles City, Iowa. There is a museum there that sells manuals and will send a copy of the build card for a fee.
You can learn more about your tractor by visiting or calling the museum at 641-228-1099

http://www.olivertractormanuals.org/olivertractormanuals-2.html

also there are two publications and one club that may interest you

http://www.hartparroliver.org/

http://www.oliverinformation.com/