The Oliver 77, a member of the Fleetline Series, is a classic row-crop tractor that was in production from 1948 to 1954. This iconic tractor is a testament to the agricultural technology of its era and holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and tractor enthusiasts. It was manufactured by Oliver in Charles City, Iowa, USA, and was known for its versatility in various farming applications. With different variants, including the tricycle chassis, standard front, and low-profile orchard model, the Oliver 77 catered to a range of farming needs. Its design, manual steering, and mechanical drum brakes reflect the mechanical simplicity of the time. Today, it stands as a symbol of agricultural history and serves as a treasured collector’s item, preserving the legacy of mid-20th-century farming machinery.
| Oliver 77 Row-Crop Specs |
|---|
| Years of Production | 1948 – 1954 |
| Series | Fleetline Series |
| Type | Row-Crop Tractor |
| Manufacturer | Oliver |
| Production Location | Charles City, Iowa, USA |
| Original Price (1954) | $3,000 |
| Variants |
|---|
| 77 Row-Crop | Tricycle chassis |
| 77 Standard | Standard front |
| 77 Orchard | Low-profile |
| Power |
|---|
| Plows | 2-3 |
| Drawbar (Tested) | 32.89 hp (24.5 kW) |
| Belt (Tested) | 37.17 hp (27.7 kW) |
| 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 |
| Power Take-off (PTO) |
|---|
| Rear PTO | Independent Optional |
| Rear PTO Type | 540 (1.375) |
| Serial Numbers |
|---|
| Location (Early) | Rear main frame and transmission, front-right side |
| Location (Later) | Below instrument panel |
| 1948 | 320001 |
| 1949 | 320241 |
| 1950 | 327901 |
| 1951 | 337243 |
| 1952 | 347904 |
| 1953 | 3500001 |
| 1954 | 4501667 |
| Final | 4504470 |
| Belt Pulley |
|---|
| Diameter | 12 inches (30 cm) |
| Width | 7.25 inches (18 cm) |
| RPM | 992 |
| Speed | 3080 ft/min (938.78 meters/min) |
| Tires |
|---|
| Ag Front | 5.50-16 |
| Ag Rear | 10-38, 11-38, 12-38 |
| Dimensions |
|---|
| Wheelbase | 90.75 inches (230 cm) |
| Length | 139.25 inches (353 cm) |
| Width | 80.25 inches (203 cm) |
| Height | 75 inches (190 cm) |
| Height (Hood) | 61.625 inches (156 cm) |
| Ground Clearance | 24.9 inches (63 cm) |
| Front Tread (Tricycle) | 7.5/12.6 inches (19/32 cm) |
| Front Tread (Wide-Front) | 60 to 89.75 inches (152 to 227 cm) |
| Rear Tread | 60 to 92.5 inches (152 to 234 cm) |
| Weight |
|---|
| Operating Weight (Gas) | 4,207 lbs (1908 kg) |
| Operating Weight (Diesel) | 4,502 lbs (2042 kg) |
| Ballasted Weight | 8,203 lbs (3720 kg) |
| Test 404 (Gasoline 6-speed 2WD, 1948) |
|---|
| Belt Power (Max) | 33.98 hp (25.3 kW) |
| Belt Fuel Use (Max) | 3.0 gal/hour (11.4 l/hour) |
| Drawbar Max Power | 28.68 hp (21.4 kW) |
| Max Pull | 4,076 lbs (1848 kg) |
| Test 425 (Gasoline 6-speed 2WD, 1949) |
|---|
| Belt Power (Max) | 37.17 hp (27.7 kW) |
| Belt Fuel Use (Max) | 3.5 gal/hour (13.2 l/hour) |
| Drawbar Max Power | 32.89 hp (24.5 kW) |
| Max Pull | 4,714 lbs (2138 kg) |
| Test 457 (Diesel 6-speed 2WD, 1951) |
|---|
| Belt Power (Max) | 35.79 hp (26.7 kW) |
| Belt Fuel Use (Max) | 2.5 gal/hour (9.5 l/hour) |
| Drawbar Max Power | 30.43 hp (22.7 kW) |
| Max Pull | 4,818 lbs (2185 kg) |
| Test 470 (LP Gas 6-speed 2WD, 1952) |
|---|
| Belt Power (Max) | 36.33 hp (27.1 kW) |
| Belt Fuel Use (Max) | 4.6 gal/hour (17.4 l/hour) |
| Drawbar Max Power | 32.26 hp (24.1 kW) |
| Max Pull | 4,778 lbs (2167 kg) |
Oliver 77 Row-Crop Overview
The Oliver 77, a tractor produced from 1948 to 1954, stands as a historical model with enduring appeal in today’s world. As a testament to the agricultural technology of its time, it holds a revered place among collectors and enthusiasts.
Historical Significance:
The Oliver 77 is a symbol of a pivotal era in agricultural machinery. Produced during the post-World War II period, it reflects the transition from older, more basic tractor designs to more modern, efficient models. This historical context makes it an important piece of agricultural heritage, illustrating the advancements and challenges of that era.
Collectors’ Model:
Among collectors, the Oliver 77 is a highly sought-after treasure. Its unique design, with variants like the tricycle chassis, standard front, and low-profile orchard model, showcases the adaptability of farming equipment during the mid-20th century. Owning an Oliver 77 is akin to holding a piece of history, a tangible connection to the past.
Overview of Specifications and Aspects:
Power Sources: With gasoline and diesel engine options, the Oliver 77 was a versatile choice for farmers of the time. This reflects the diversity of agricultural practices and the need for adaptable machinery.
Transmission Technology: The unsynchronized gear transmission with 6 forward and 2 reverse gears was characteristic of tractors of that era. This technology provided reliable performance for a wide range of farming tasks.
Row-Crop Design: The Oliver 77’s row-crop design allowed it to excel in various agricultural operations, from plowing to planting. Its design was tailored to meet the needs of farmers who required versatility in their machinery.
Safety and Operator Comfort: Safety standards in the 1940s and 1950s were not as advanced as today, but the open operator station was typical for the time. The tractor offered a practical and reliable work environment, prioritizing functionality over modern safety features.
Dimensions and Weight: The tractor’s dimensions and weight were suitable for the farming practices of the era, ensuring stability and maneuverability in the field.
In summary, the Oliver 77, as a historical model, provides valuable insights into the state of tractor technology during the mid-20th century. Its adaptability, power options, and sturdy design were well-suited for the challenges faced by farmers of that time. Today, it remains a collector’s gem, representing a bygone era in agriculture and preserving the legacy of those who worked the land with these iconic machines.
