The Oliver 77 Orchard, manufactured between 1949 and 1952, is a specialized tractor designed for orchard and vineyard use. Produced by Oliver in Charles City, Iowa, this tractor’s compact and low-profile design allowed it to navigate through narrow rows and tight spaces with ease. While its historical significance lies in its ability to cater to the specific needs of fruit growers, it also holds appeal among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its unique role in agricultural history. The Oliver 77 Orchard embodies a chapter in farming technology where adaptability and efficiency were paramount, making it a notable piece of agricultural heritage.
| Oliver 77 Orchard Specs |
|---|
| Years of Production | 1949 – 1952 |
| Series | Fleetline Series |
| Type | Orchard/Vineyard Tractor |
| Manufacturer | Oliver |
| Production Location | Charles City, Iowa, USA |
| Variants |
|---|
| 77 Row-Crop | Tricycle chassis |
| 77 Standard | Standard front |
| 77 Orchard | Low-profile |
| Engines Overview |
|---|
| Waukesha-Oliver 3.2L 6-cyl | gasoline |
| Waukesha-Oliver 3.2L 6-cyl | diesel |
| Waukesha-Oliver 3.2L 6-cyl | LP gas |
| Engine Details (Gasoline) |
|---|
| Cylinders | 6-cylinder |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled vertical I-head |
| Displacement | 193.9 ci (3.2 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.3125×3.75 inches (84 x 95 mm) |
| Compression | 6.75:1 |
| Rated RPM | 1600 |
| Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Oil Capacity | 8 qts (7.6 L) |
| Coolant Capacity | 13.5 qts (12.8 L) |
| Engine Details (Diesel) |
|---|
| Cylinders | 6-cylinder |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled vertical I-head |
| Displacement | 193.9 ci (3.2 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.3125×3.75 inches (84 x 95 mm) |
| Compression | 15.75:1 |
| Rated RPM | 1600 |
| Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Coolant Capacity | 18 qts (17.0 L) |
| Engine Details (LP Gas) |
|---|
| Cylinders | 6-cylinder |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 193.9 ci (3.2 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.3125×3.75 inches (84 x 95 mm) |
| Compression | 6.75:1 |
| Rated RPM | 1600 |
| Coolant Capacity | 18 qts (17.0 L) |
| Transmission |
|---|
| Type | Unsynchronized gear |
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
| Mechanical |
|---|
| Drive Type | Two-wheel drive |
| Steering | Manual |
| Brakes | Differential mechanical drum brakes |
| Operator Station | Open |
| Serial Numbers |
|---|
| Location | Rear main frame and transmission, front-right side |
| 1948 | 269001 |
| 1949 | 269941 |
| 1950 | 271267 |
| 1951 | 272466 |
| 1952 | 273376 |
| Final | 274051 |
| Tires |
|---|
| Ag Front | 6.00-16 |
| Ag Rear | 12-26 |
| Dimensions |
|---|
| Wheelbase | 78.25 inches (198 cm) |
| Length | 129.75 inches (329 cm) |
| Width | 60 inches (152 cm) |
| Height (Steering Wheel) | 59.5 inches (151 cm) |
| Ground Clearance | 10 inches (25 cm) |
| Front Tread | 48.75 inches (123 cm) |
| Rear Tread | 49 inches (124 cm) |
Oliver 77 overview
The Oliver 77 Orchard, hailing from the late 1940s to early 1950s, stands as a historical gem in the modern world, serving both as a valuable collector’s item and a representation of its era’s tractor technology. This specialized tractor, crafted by Oliver in Charles City, Iowa, was purpose-built for orchards and vineyards, emphasizing maneuverability and practicality. Its compact dimensions and low-profile design allowed it to navigate the tight rows of fruit-bearing trees and vines with precision, a feature highly valued in contemporary farming.
In terms of specifications, the Oliver 77 Orchard came with a range of engine options, including gasoline, diesel, and LP gas variants. This adaptability was a hallmark of the time when agricultural machinery was evolving to cater to diverse farmer needs. Its unsynchronized gear transmission, with 6 forward and 2 reverse gears, was standard for tractors of the era, providing reliable power transfer.
The mechanical aspects of the Oliver 77 Orchard, such as manual steering, differential mechanical drum brakes, and an open operator station, underscored the simplicity and robustness that defined tractors of this period. Its compact wheelbase and low ground clearance were optimized for orchard work, where precision and minimal impact on delicate crops were essential.
In today’s context, the Oliver 77 Orchard has become a sought-after collector’s model, cherished for its historical significance and unique design. Enthusiasts appreciate its compact form and specific utility, which make it a standout in the world of vintage tractors. Owning one is akin to owning a piece of agricultural history, preserving the legacy of a time when farming technology was adapting to meet the specialized needs of fruit growers. The Oliver 77 Orchard, with its tailored features and historical importance, serves as a tangible link to an era when innovation was paving the way for more efficient and targeted farming practices.
