The Oliver Super 55: The ultimate utility tractor

Jan 19, 2017

The tractor is known for its affordability and durability

IN THE SHOP with Rachel

By Rachel Gingell
Farms.com

If you’re looking for a basic utility tractor for small chores around the farm, then the Oliver Super 55 should be on your shopping list. These tractors are available at a reasonable price with a solid list of features.

Compared to an earlier model like the 8N Ford, the Oliver Super 55 is a considerable upgrade. The live PTO is a big benefit. The overhead valve engine gives you more power (around 30 hp at the drawbar). The six-speed transmission is an improvement over the 8N’s basic four speeds, too.

Oliver Super 55
Photo: TractorData.com

Finding parts can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s not impossible. While only the most prepared AGCO dealerships will have a wide selection of parts in stock, they can be ordered without too much trouble.

If your tractor has been recently overhauled, buy with confidence – you’ll be able to get the parts you need for regular tune-ups with a little bit of digging. If the tractor needs more serious work, take a good look at the parts availability in your area before making the purchase.

This tractor has one unique feature that gets very mixed reviews: a left-hand gear shift. Oliver enthusiasts who love the left-hand shift sing its praises – they’ll refer to shifting as “rowing gears” and praise the efficiency of a well-maintained transmission.

Other owners can be just as vocal in their dislike of the left-hand shift. Not only can it be difficult to get used to, some claim it’s a safety issue. The best way to find out if you’re a fan of the left-hand shift or not is to try it for yourself, so be sure to test-drive before you buy.

Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.