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: Will the 2025 USDA December Crop Report Be a Market Mover/Surprise?

Historically, the USDA December crop report is a non-event or another dud report as the USDA reserves any final supply changes to the final report in January of the following year in this case 2026. But after the longest U.S. government shutdown in history at 43 days and no October crop report will they provide more data/surprise and make an exception?
Our China U.S. soybean purchase tracker is now at 26.6% or a total of 3.2 mmt but for traders it’s taking too long to unfold.
The final Stats Canada production report was bearish canola and wheat projection a record crop in both (it adds to the global glut of supplies) and bullish local corn and soybean prices in Ontario/Quebec thanks to a drought. It will not help the fund flow short-term, the USDA may need to offset it?
A U.S. Fed interest rate cut of another 25-basis point next Wednesday (probability 87.1%) could help fund flow and sentiment in stock and ag commodities into year end.
More inflows into Bitcoin this past week saw prices rebound back above 90,000 with support at 82,000 and resistance at 96,000.
A V-shaped bottom in cattle suggest the lows are in after Mexico reported another new world screwworm case. Lower weights, seasonal demand and higher U.S. beef select/choice values with a continued closure of the Mexican border to cattle will result in a resumption of higher cattle futures into yearend.
Australia is expected to produce its 3rd largest wheat crop ever at 36 mmt adding to the global glut of supplies.
Reports of ASF in hogs in Spain the largest pork exporter in Europe could see the U.S. win more pork export business long-term.
If the rains verify into next week of 3-5 inches for Brazil it would go a long way to fixing the dry regions from the last 2-months, but the European weather model has been wrong for the past 2-months!
Natural gas futures are surging to the 3rd price count as frigid hold temps set in.
CDN $ is also surging to end the week on a very resilient economy and better employment numbers suggesting no interest rate cuts next week.
Finally, the CFTC report showed funds were net buyers of soybeans but sellers of corn, canola and wheat. In real time the funds have gone back to selling as they take some profits.