The Oliver 70, a classic row-crop tractor produced from 1935 to 1948, holds a special place in agricultural history. With its distinctive design and durable construction, it became a symbol of reliability on farms across the United States. This tractor was available in various configurations, including the tricycle chassis, standard chassis, and low-profile orchard model. Its straightforward manual controls and open operator station reflected the technology of its time. The Oliver 70 played a vital role in the agricultural landscape of its era and remains a cherished collectible for tractor enthusiasts today.
Oliver 70
Years in Production
1935 – 1948
Type
Row-Crop tractor
Variants
70 Row-Crop
Tricycle chassis
70 Standard
Standard chassis
70 Orchard
Low-profile
Power
Drawbar (claimed)
22.7 hp (16.9 kW)
PTO (claimed)
30.37 hp (22.6 kW)
Drawbar (tested)
28.63 hp (21.3 kW)
Belt (tested)
31.52 hp (23.5 kW)
Mechanical
Drive
Two-wheel drive
Steering
Manual
Operator Station
Open
Engines Overview
Oliver 3.3L
6-cylinder gasoline engine
Oliver 3.3L
6-cylinder distillate engine
Engine Detail (Gasoline)
Displacement
201.3 cubic inches (3.3 liters)
Bore/Stroke
3.125×4.375 inches (79 x 111 mm)
Rated RPM
1500
Firing Order
1-5-3-6-2-4
Coolant Capacity
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters)
Engine Detail (Distillate)
Displacement
201.3 cubic inches (3.3 liters)
Bore/Stroke
3.125×4.375 inches (79 x 111 mm)
Rated RPM
1500
Transmissions types
Type
4-speed transmission
Type
6-speed transmission (introduced on the “streamlined” model 70 in 1937, with the top two gears locked out if equipped with steel wheels)
Tires
Ag Front
5.50-16
Ag Rear
11-38
Dimensions
Wheelbase
91.25 inches (231 cm)
Weight
4,400 lbs (1995 kg)
Serial Numbers
Note
Serial number plate located on the left side of the engine, behind the air cleaner.
Serial numbers
for various years from 1935 to 1948.
1935
Serial number range started at 20001.
1936
Serial number range started at 200686.
1937
Serial number range started at 208729.
1938
Serial number range started at 219645.
1939
Serial number range started at 223255.
1940
Serial number range started at 231116.
1941
Serial number range started at 236356.
1942
Serial number range started at 241391.
1943
Serial number range started at 243640.
1944
Serial number range started at 244711.
1945
Serial number range started at 250180.
1946
Serial number range started at 252780.
1947
Serial number range started at 258140.
1948
Serial number range started at 262840.
Oliver 70 overview
The Oliver 70, which was first introduced in 1935 and continued its production until 1948, stands as a historical agricultural model that has gained significance both in its time and as a collector’s item today. During its heyday, the Oliver 70 was a dependable workhorse on American farms. Its straightforward manual controls, two-wheel drive, and open operator station were characteristic of the tractor technology available at the time. The Oliver 70 came in several variants, including the tricycle chassis, standard chassis, and low-profile orchard model, catering to different farming needs.
In its era, the Oliver 70 was known for its reliability and versatility, making it a popular choice among farmers for various tasks, from plowing fields to hauling loads. It was powered by a 6-cylinder engine, available in gasoline and distillate versions, delivering around 22.7 horsepower at the drawbar and 30.37 horsepower at the power take-off (PTO). These power ratings were quite respectable for the time.
The tractor featured either a 4-speed or 6-speed transmission, allowing for flexibility in different agricultural applications. The introduction of the 6-speed transmission in 1937 brought added versatility to the tractor’s operation. It’s important to note that some versions of the Oliver 70 had locked-out top gears when equipped with steel wheels.
Today, the Oliver 70 holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and tractor enthusiasts. Its classic design and historical significance make it a sought-after item for those passionate about vintage farming equipment. Restored Oliver 70 tractors are proudly displayed at agricultural shows and events, highlighting the craftsmanship and engineering of a bygone era. Collectors value these machines not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for the nostalgia and history they represent, reminding us of the agricultural technology of the past.
