Farmall Cub

My neighbor has a 550 gas s/n 850519, which seems to make it a 1960. It belonged to his FIL. It has been setting in an open shed for about 10 years. I have told him several times that we should get it into my shop and see if we can get it running. We plan to do just that this weekend (in my shop, not running) . The problem is, this is the only one that I have ever looked at. First thing we need is an operators manual. Where is a good source for a good manual. Several sites on the net have them, but I would like some advice before ordering one.

For what little I can find, it appears to be a 12 volt. At least that is the worn out battery on it now. I have not found an oil pressure gauge yet. I want to prime the oil pump before trying to start it. Don't know if engine is stuck or not.

Not sure what I have gotten into. Any help would be appreciated.

Ron:

My preference for manuals is definitely Originals, if you can find good condition original manuals on then those are the ones to get. Here are the links to a couple..

1960 OLIVER 550 TRACTOR OPERATORS MANUAL DIRTY SZ184

1959 OLIVER TRACTOR 550 PARTS BOOK MANUAL AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIAL

This one the cover is not in perfect shape but the insides sure are.... nice looking Parts Catalog.

Oliver 550 Tractor Original Operator's Manual

Looks like the Service Manuals are all reprints .. so the graphics will probably not be great. That is why I like originals. Even if they are a little soiled in places, the graphics are usually very clear.

This is the search string I used on - Oliver 550 Manuals

Big Hoss,

I have restored 5 Oliver 550's. If you need parts or advice, call Korves Oliver (http://www.korvesoliver.com/). These guys are the gurus of Olivers and have helped me many times with my restorations. The Super 55 and its successor the 550 are top notch tractors that were built for the long haul and both had many refinements that tractors of their day just did not have ie. Live Hydraulics, Live PTO, 3 point hitch, 40 HP and other amenities that I can't think of right off the bat) The only weak area that is problematic with these models is the clutch assembly for the live PTO. If oil is allowed to get on them, you will be splitting the tractor and rebuilding the assembly. Very strong and multifaceted utility tractors.

Tom

PS- The tractor is split easier than any other tractor that I have worked on.

Progress Report:

Motor was not stuck. Carb kit ordered while it is soaking in solution. Flushed oil pan and gas tank. Removed oil sending unit and will temporarily plumb a pressure gage in its place. New Autolite 386 plugs, plug wires, points, cap, rotor and condenser, new battery, new operators manual, new sediment bowl assy, new oil and filter.
Hope to start it this week.

C'mon Ron, when do we see the pictures?

Roy for your information, Steve and JR are helping me. I will have to clean them up first. They are of course working on the carb. It is a Marvel Schebler TSX 775, similar to your VAC.

Ron, Roy wants pictures of the tractor, not Steve and JR.

Bob

Bob McCarty wrote:Ron, Roy wants pictures of the tractor, not Steve and JR.

Bob

But I do have to say that Ron has the right guys on that carb work!

But Bob, they are chained to the Oliver.

By the way Bill, Steve and I are trying to get JR to come with us to the Bash.

BIGHOSS wrote:By the way Bill, Steve and I are trying to get JR to come with us to the Bash.

Drag him along Ron, he will have a good time. From the response I got from DSCF and several PM's, it looks like another good turnout can be expected. Hoping for good weather and a few new additions to the shop equipment.

Here you go!








When the carb is finished and we get oil and filter, plugs, wires, points installed and gas tank flushed, we hope to have it running this week.

BIGHOSS, I like all brands of old iron, and that Oliver sure looks like a solid tractor in excellent shape!

This is the first Oliver that I have ever been around. It is pretty impressive. Independent clutch, which makes it a live PTO, built like a tank, around 40 HP. Not much bigger than a redbelly, but more solid. It has the original paint. I told my neighbor (Mike) that I would just pressure wash it to clean it up and leave it alone.

BIGHOSS wrote:Roy for your information, Steve and JR are helping me. I will have to clean them up first. They are of course working on the carb. It is a Marvel Schebler TSX 775, similar to your VAC.

Wow, Ron! I like it. A lot!! Always wanted one of those. Does it have the dual range tranny in it?

I tell you, ole Steve & JR did a jam up job on the carb on that VAC! That baby runs like a champ. Still got to put wires and a dist. cap on it, but it sure runs great! That ole thing has a lot of power for it's size.

Looking forward to seeing all you guys at Barnyard's soon. Can hardly wait. With the three of you, there is never a dull moment.