The Oliver Corporation was founded in the late 1800s and was known for producing high-quality farm equipment. The company’s tractors became especially popular in the mid-1900s, and one of their most notable models was the Oliver 1850. This row-crop tractor was produced from 1964 to 1969 and was designed to provide farmers with a reliable and efficient machine for their agricultural needs.

The Oliver 1850 tractor is available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations, making it a versatile choice for farmers with varying terrain and field conditions. Additionally, the tractor is equipped with either a six-cylinder gasoline or LP-gas engine, or a six-cylinder diesel engine, giving farmers options to choose from depending on their specific needs. The availability of different engines ensures that the tractor can handle different tasks and operate efficiently.

Furthermore, the Oliver 1850 has a range of transmission options, including unsynchronized gear, partial powershift, and partial power shift transmissions. These transmission options provide farmers with varying degrees of control and precision. Additionally, the tractor comes equipped with power assist steering and differential disc brakes, making it easier to maneuver and control.

Features Of the Oliver 1850 Tractor

The Oliver 1850 tractor is a great choice for farmers looking for a reliable and versatile tractor. With its range of engine and transmission options, coupled with power assist steering and differential disc brakes, the tractor is designed to provide farmers with an efficient and productive experience. Let’s learn more about its features which makes it a dependable piece of farming equipment.

Engine

The Waukesha-Oliver engine is a six-cylinder, natural aspirated gasoline or LP-gas engine with a displacement of 5.1 L and a compression ratio of 8.5:1 for gasoline or 9.0:1 for LP-gas. This engine produces 93.3 PS (68.6 kW; 92.0 HP) of PTO output power in the gasoline version and 91.3 PS (67.1 KW; 90.0 HP) of PTO output power in the LP-gas version. The cylinder bore and piston stroke are 98.0 mm and 111.0 mm, respectively. This engine provides farmers with a reliable option for powering their Oliver 1850 tractor. Its natural aspiration ensures that it is an efficient engine, delivering power when needed without requiring additional power input. Additionally, the availability of both gasoline and LP-gas versions gives farmers flexibility in choosing the right engine for their needs.

The Perkins engine option for the Oliver 1850 tractor is a six-cylinder, natural aspirated diesel engine with a displacement of 5.8 L. It has a compression ratio of 16.0:1 and produces 93.3 PS (68.6 kW; 92.0 HP) of PTO output power. The cylinder bore and piston stroke are 99.0 mm and 127.0 mm, respectively. The Perkins engine provides farmers with a more fuel-efficient option. The diesel engine option also provides farmers with greater torque output, which is important for handling heavy loads and working in tough terrain.

Transmission

This tractor model is known for its advanced transmission system, which features three different transmission types, namely unsynchronized, Hydra-Power partial power shift, and Hydraul-Shift.

The Unsynchronized gear with dry disc clutch transmission type  of the Oliver 1850 tractor is a basic transmission, it has 6 forward and 2 reverse gears  generating forward speed of 25.1 kmh (15.6 mph) and can reach a speed of 8.5 (5.3 mph) in reverse gear.

The Hydra-Power partial power shift is an advanced transmission, it has 12 forward and 4 reverse gears, the forward speed generated is 25.1 kmh (15.6 mph) and a speed of 8.5 (5.3 mph) can be achieved in reverse direction. This feature is particularly useful when the tractor is pulling heavy loads, as it reduces the strain on the engine and improves fuel efficiency.

The Hydraul-Shift transmission type of the Oliver 1850 tractor is also an advanced transmission that has 18 forward and 6 reverse gears; it allows the operator to shift gears on the go without using a clutch. This feature is particularly useful when the operator needs to make frequent gear changes, as it improves efficiency and reduces operator fatigue.

Hydraulic System

The hydraulic system of the Oliver 1850 tractor is an open-center system with a capacity of 5 gallons and a pressure rating of 2500 psi. The system is designed to provide hydraulic power to operate various implements, such as loaders, cultivators, and plows, on the tractor.

The pump has a flow rate of 15.9 gallons per minute (gpm), which means that it can supply up to 15.9 gallons of hydraulic fluid to the system every minute. The tractor can have up to 4 control valves, which means that it can operate up to 4 hydraulic cylinders simultaneously. These control valves are operated by the operator using levers or switches in the tractor cab.

Attachments

Two popular attachment options for the Oliver 1850 tractor are the Oliver 1810 loader and the Oliver 1610 loader. The Oliver 1810 loader is a front-end loader that can be used to lift and transport heavy materials, such as hay bales, gravel, and dirt. This loader has a lifting capacity of up to 2,000 pounds and can be operated using the tractor’s hydraulic system. The Oliver 1610 loader is another front-end loader that can be used with the Oliver 1850 tractor. This loader has a lifting capacity of up to 1,500 pounds.

Dimensions

The Oliver 1850 tractor comes with a range of specifications, including wheelbase, operating weight, and tire size options. The tractor is available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations, with a wheelbase of 103 inches for the 2WD and 86.25 inches for the 4WD. The operating weight varies depending on the engine and transmission configuration, with a range of 8,965 (2WD gas) to 10,965(4WD diesel) pounds.

 The tractor’s tire options include 15.5-38 for 2WD Ag rear, 23.1-30 for 4WD Ag rear, 7.50-15 for 2WD Ag front, and 12.4/11-24 for 4WD Ag front, providing the necessary traction and stability to operate in different terrain and soil conditions.

List of Serial Number of Oliver 1850

The serial number of an Oliver 1850 can be found on the instrument panel support of the tractor.

1964 – 150421

1965 – 153014

1966 – 168127

1967 – 183382

1968 – 200360

1969 – 212673

Pros Of The Oliver 1850 Tractor

• The Oliver 1850 was equipped with a six-cylinder diesel and gasoline engine that provided plenty of power for heavy-duty tasks.
• The ability to shift gears on the go reduces the time and effort required to complete tasks, and it also improves fuel efficiency and reduces operator fatigue.
• This tractor was designed to handle a wide range of tasks, from plowing and tilling to hauling and mowing.
• The 1850 had a spacious and comfortable operator station with easy-to-reach controls and a good view of the work area.
• The open-center design, combined with the high pressure and flow rate of the system, makes it a powerful and reliable system that is essential for modern agriculture.

Cons Of The Oliver 1850 Tractor

• The Oliver 1850 was a relatively expensive tractor compared to some other models of the time.
• The six-cylinder diesel engine on the 1850 was powerful, but it also consumed a lot of fuel, which could be expensive over time.

Price of Oliver 1850 Tractor

In the last year of its release in 1969, it was sold for $8500. The price of a used tractor depends on its condition and location.

Conclusion

The Oliver 1850 tractor was a powerful and versatile machine that left a lasting impression on the agricultural industry. Its most prominent features included a six-cylinder diesel engine that provided plenty of power for heavy-duty tasks, a comfortable operator station, and a durable build that ensured longevity.

Despite being relatively expensive compared to some other models of the time and lacking some modern features, the 1850 was a reliable and efficient workhorse that could handle a wide range of tasks with ease. It remains a beloved tractor among many farmers and enthusiasts to this day, and its legacy continues to inspire the development of newer and more advanced machines.