The Oliver 1850 is a notable tractor model that holds a prominent place in the world of agricultural machinery. Produced between 1964 and 1969 as part of the 50 Series, it is renowned for its versatility and performance in the field. With its distinctive design and robust build, the Oliver 1850 is a reliable workhorse capable of handling a variety of farming tasks. This row-crop tractor, offered in both standard and Wheatland configurations, was equipped with a range of engine options, including gasoline, diesel, and LP gas, to suit the preferences and requirements of farmers. Its availability in two- or four-wheel drive and a choice of transmissions further added to its adaptability. Over the years, the Oliver 1850 has earned a reputation for its power, durability, and dependability, making it a cherished asset for farmers and a sought-after collector’s item for tractor enthusiasts.
Oliver 1850 Specs
Years in Production
1964 – 1969
Series
50 Series
Type
Row-Crop tractor
Original Price (1969)
$8,500
Variants
1850
Row-crop
1850 Wheatland
Standard
Power
Gas PTO (claimed)
92 hp (68.6 kW)
Diesel PTO (claimed)
92 hp (68.6 kW)
LP-gas PTO (claimed)
90 hp (67.1 kW)
Drawbar (tested)
84.52 hp (63.0 kW)
PTO (tested)
92.94 hp (69.3 kW)
Waukesha-Oliver 5.1L 6-cyl Gasoline Engine
Type
6-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Displacement
310 cubic inches (5.1 liters)
Bore/Stroke
3.875 x 4.375 inches (98 x 111 mm)
Air Cleaner
Dry with precleaner
Compression Ratio
8.5:1
Rated RPM
2400
Starter Volts
12
Oil Capacity
8 quarts (7.6 liters)
Coolant Capacity
20 quarts (18.9 liters)
Perkins 5.8L 6-cyl Diesel Engine
Type
6-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Displacement
354 cubic inches (5.8 liters)
Bore/Stroke
3.88 x 5.00 inches (99 x 127 mm)
Air Cleaner
Dry with pre-cleaner
Compression Ratio
16:1
Rated RPM
2400
Starter Volts
12
Oil Capacity
12 quarts (11.4 liters)
Coolant Capacity
20 quarts (18.9 liters)
Waukesha-Oliver 5.1L 6-cyl LP Gas Engine
Type
6-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Displacement
310 cubic inches (5.1 liters)
Bore/Stroke
3.875 x 4.375 inches (98 x 111 mm)
Compression Ratio
9:1
Starter Volts
12
Oil Capacity
8 quarts (7.6 liters)
Coolant Capacity
20 quarts (18.9 liters)
Transmission Variants
Variant
6-speed unsynchronized
Variant
12-speed partial powershift
Variant
18-speed partial power shift
Transmission Details
Clutch
330mm dry disc
Oil capacity
43 qts (40.7 L)
Mechanical
Drive
Two- or four-wheel drive
Steering
Power assist
Brakes
Differential disc brakes
Open operator station
(Oliver Continental Cab optional with available air-conditioning)
Capacity
Gas Fuel
34.5 gal (130.6 L)
Diesel Fuel
31.5 gal (119.2 L)
LP-gas Fuel
42 gal (159.0 L) or 78 gal* (295.2 L)
Hydraulic system
5 gal (18.9 L)
Hydraulics
Type
Open center
Capacity
5 gal (18.9 L)
Pressure
2500 psi (172.4 bar)
Valves
2 to 4
Pump flow
15.9 gpm (60.2 lpm)
Tractor Hitch
Rear Type
II or III Opt
Rear lift (at 24″/610mm)
6000 lbs (2721 kg)
Power Take-off (PTO)
Rear PTO
Independent
Rear RPM
540, 1000, 540/1000 Opt
Serial Numbers (Location – Instrument panel support)
1964
150421
1965
153014
1966
168127
1967
183382
1968
200360
1969
212673
Tires
2WD Ag front
7.50-15
4WD Ag front
12.4/11-24
Ag rear
18.4-34
2WD Ag front
7.50-18
4WD Ag front
13.6/12-24
2WD Ag rear
15.5-38
4WD Ag rear
23.1-30 or 23.1-34
Dimensions
2WD Wheelbase
103 inches (261 cm)
4WD Wheelbase
86.25 inches (219 cm)
2WD Length
159.5 inches (405 cm)
4WD Length
152.5 inches (387 cm)
Width
86.5 inches* (219 cm)
Height (steering wheel)
78.5 inches (199 cm)
Ground clearance
25.5 inches (64 cm)
2WD Front tread
9.25/14.5 inches (23/36 cm)
2WD Front tread
68 to 89.5 inches (172 to 227 cm)
4WD Front tread
66/70.75/80 inches (167/179/203 cm)
Rear tread
68 to 89.5 inches (172 to 227 cm)
Operating Weight
2WD Gas
8,965 lbs (4066 kg)
2WD Diesel
9,265 lbs (4202 kg)
4WD Gas
10,605 lbs (4810 kg)
4WD Diesel
10,965 lbs (4973 kg)
Ballasted
16,225 lbs (7359 kg)
Tractor Tests (Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory – NTTL)
NTTL 869
Diesel 12-speed 4WD
NTTL 870
Diesel 12-speed 2WD
NTTL 875
Gasoline 12-speed 2WD
NTTL 876
Gasoline 12-speed 4WD
Nebraska Tractor Test Results (1964)
Test 869 (Diesel 12-speed 4WD)
PTO power at rated engine speed 92.92 hp, Fuel use 6.3 gal/hour, Max drawbar power 83.55 hp, Max pull 14,407 lbs
Test 870 (Diesel 12-speed 2WD)
PTO power at rated engine speed 92.94 hp, Fuel use 6.3 gal/hour, Max drawbar power 80.04 hp, Max pull 10,773 lbs
Test 875 (Gasoline 12-speed 2WD)
PTO power at rated engine speed 92.43 hp, Fuel use 7.7 gal/hour, Max drawbar power 76.66 hp, Max pull 10,675 lbs
Test 876 (Gasoline 12-speed 4WD)
PTO power at rated engine speed 92.92 hp, Fuel use 8.1 gal/hour, Max drawbar power 84.52 hp, Max pull 14,227 lbs
Oliver 1610 Loader
Lift Capacity (Full at Pin)
2000 lbs (907 kg)
Breakout Force
3200 lbs (1451 kg)
Dump Angle
69°
Reach (Dumped)
39 inches (99 cm)
Reach (Ground)
54 inches (137 cm)
Rollback (Ground Line)
5°
Height (At Pin)
106.5 inches (270 cm)
Clearance (Dumped)
75.5 inches (191 cm)
Boom Cylinder Diameter
2.75 inches (6 cm)
Bucket Width Options
48 inches (121 cm) and 68 inches (172 cm)
Oliver 1810 Loader
Lift Capacity (Full at Pin)
2500 lbs (1134 kg)
Breakout Force
4500 lbs (2041 kg)
Dump Angle
45°
Reach (Dumped)
36 inches (91 cm)
Reach (Ground)
87 inches (220 cm)
Rollback (Ground Line)
8°
Height (At Pin)
168 inches (426 cm)
Clearance (Dumped)
140 inches (355 cm)
Boom Cylinder Diameter
3 inches (7 cm)
Bucket Width
78 inches (198 cm)
Oliver 1850 overview
The Oliver 1850, a true icon of its time, stands as a prized collection model with immense historical value in the world of vintage tractors. Produced from 1964 to 1969 as part of the 50 Series, this row-crop tractor has earned its esteemed status due to its exceptional craftsmanship and performance. What sets the Oliver 1850 apart is its adaptability, with options for gasoline, diesel, or LP-gas engines to cater to various preferences. Its robust build, solid construction, and distinctive design are a testament to the craftsmanship of the era.
The Oliver 1850’s place in history is underscored by its contribution to the agricultural and farming landscape of the mid-20th century. It was a dependable workhorse for farmers, capable of handling a wide range of tasks, from plowing fields to hauling loads. Its powerful engine, reliable transmission, and rugged chassis made it a favorite among those who depended on their tractors day in and day out.
Moreover, its availability in two- or four-wheel drive configurations and a choice of transmissions showcased its versatility. This tractor was not just a piece of equipment but a companion to generations of farmers, and its legacy lives on in the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts. As a collector’s item, the Oliver 1850 is a prized possession, not only for its historical significance but also for its enduring appeal as a symbol of an era when American agriculture was undergoing significant transformation.
