oliver 1655

[zekeman]

tractor shopping and I found an oliver 1655 four wheel drive with a front end loader,diesel,60% rubber on tires 11,000 is this a good deal or not.

Thanks
Ron

 

[OrangeGuy]

Ron,

Oliver 1655 tractors (~70 HP)were manufactured back in the '70s so its about 30 years old. I bought a 1975 model and ran it for a couple years and then traded up for a bigger tractor. My neighbor then purchased it and still uses it today. Four wheel wasn't a popular option, but it is a mechancial system, a good system at the time. 11,000 is alot of hours. Most used ones I see today have 5-8000 hours. The value will depend upon condition. It could have alot more hours in it if it has been well maintained. How much does the seller want for it?

OrangeGuy

P.S. I just reread your post and saw that 11,000 referred to price not hours. I would say the price is too high unless it has very low hours (under 1500).

 

[familyman]

It sounds like alot of tractor -- but knowing your actual needs would help viewers help you with your decision. I don't know anything about Oliver tractors, didn't even know they were made as late as the 70's. I've seen some really old ones on the lots of guys who sell such machines and I've often thought it would be really cool to own some examples (plural) of vintage iron. BUT several problems/questions present themselves; 1) do you intend to use it as a working tool? 2)what kind of shape is it in? 3) can you still get parts (readily)? 4) do you know enough to work on the machine itself, or do you have someone nearby who does? 5) do you mind not having any warranty available when things go wrong?
I could go on and many of our viewers could ask better questions than I, but for that kind of money I'd think hard about it. On the other hand, if you just want one, all of the above is moot.

 

[professor]

The 1655 had a production run from 1969-75. These were excellent tractors and some are still working full time on farms today. A 1655 4WD premium condition should sell for around $7200 w/o loader. you might add 1500-2000 if loader is in good condition. Parts are still available at AGCO dealers. If the tractor is in good condition low hours (3500-5500) I wouldn't hesitate giving $8500-9000 but $11000 is too high.

 

[zekeman]

Thanks for all your replies to my post, Based on these replies
I have decided not to buy this tractor. My primary reason for buying a tractor is for use on a Horse boarding facility. It started as a hobby(3 horses) but has grown here in central NY (up to 20 horses at times). I have gotten by with a 4wd ATV and ground driven manure spreader, digging post holes by hand, and buying/paying someone to cut with their equipment my hay. The hay part is not bad considering if I had to cut my own hay I probably would have to hire someone to take care of the horses. But it is time I get a tractor. I'm sure I will be back with my next tractor "find" looking for more advice
Thanks again
Ron NY

 

[RichZ]

I have an Oliver 1550 with a loader. It's my primary tractor on my farm. I use it hard, and almost daily. It's never let me down for three years, and I love it. Part are easily available, and Olivers were extremely well built tractors, way ahead of their time. An Oliver 1655 with 4wd and a loader would be a spectacular tractor!!

Was the 11,000 the price or the number of hours?

 

[Woodbeef]

Very good solid tractors.......the 15 and 16 series were probably the best of the Olivers for their time. Make sure the over under shifts good. Mfd axles were made by Clark,did not turn the sharpest but were stout. Kinda pricey though to fix. They run around $10-11,000 CDN with loaders and 4-5000 hrs up here usually.