1966 Oliver 1850

This antique 4 Wheel Drive Oliver 1850 with the Perkins 5.8L 6-cylinder diesel engine, originated in Pennsylvania. It was in rough shape when it came to us in 2012.

First off, the tractor was dynode at 115 h.p., which Is 13 h.p. over what is reported by tractordata.com. An antifreeze leak was detected during this procedure on the cylinder head. The engine had to be removed in order to rebuild the 4-wheel drive transfer case. So, while it was out of its tub, we did install new dipstick tube and head gasket. Oliver, White and Cockshutt tractor were the only ones that were made with this main engine holder tub frame. If you had a pulling tractor, you definitely would want to replace this cast iron tub with a new rail type frame for weight placement.

The 4-wheel drive transfer case and front axle were completely rebuilt with bearings, seals, support pin, bushing, shims, retainer, and new ball stud assemblies. The power steering cylinders were welded, bored and new pistons were installed. The front hubs ran loose for so long that the stud holes needed to be welded and drilled to accept the oversized studs and nuts that we used (5/8” studs used on a Ford 5000 rear wheel). We finally ground the holes flat with our flywheel resurfacing machine (see video).

The brakes were disassembled installing new actuating discs, brake discs, seals, and shims. The brake disc area in the brake housing gets worn, so we ground the flange on the housing to keep everything in spec. The clutch linkage was repaired, and the clutch and ring gear were replaced.

The drive train sprockets, coupling chain, and seals were replaced, a new PTO shaft and seal were installed, and the radiator was re-cored and the fuel tank was repaired. A completely new engine, dash, warning and light wiring and switch harness were all installed. We replaced the manifold pre-heater solenoid, neutral safety switch, light switch, cigarette lighter, temperature gauges along with a new fuel sending unit and gauge.

A new power steering steel pressure line was installed, and the power steering hoses were replaced along with all new hoses for the hydraulic remotes.

The seat suspension was completely rebuilt, a crack in the dash was repaired, and the valve stem holes in the rear rims were in bad shape from the calcium leaks so it was closed, and new holes were made. They were primed and sanded before a coating of Oliver Clover White paint and clear was sprayed.

The tractor was primed with our custom green primer and sprayed with Oliver Meadow Green paint and clear. We use colored primer because it cuts down on the amount of paint needed for good coverage and is much cheaper.

We do all this work with our service manuals. We get so many phone calls from owners who have repaired their tractors without a manual and now they have more problems than they started off with or they do not even know how to get something apart.

So if you are starting your next project, please make sure that you or your mechanic have the proper tractor repair service manual at hand.

If you are interested in having your favorite antique tractor restored and have questions, contact Kuhn's Equipment and Tractor