I have been looking at a 1961 Oliver with at 578 loader and a scraper on the back - I assume the tractor is a 550 (?), but haven't found a nameplate.  It's 4-cylinder gasoline, reportedly runs well and work fine, though I haven't heard it yet.  Haven't yet checked brakes, PTO, gears, etc.  For now I'll take the sellers word.  Painted yellow, paint looks original, basically looks to be pretty decent shape for a tractor used for 45+ years on a ranch.  Power steering.  

My question is about the steering: there seems to be about 3/4 turn of freeplay in the wheel.    I saw online that there was a problem with this.  Is it difficult or expensive to rebuild the gear?  What is the typical problem?  Does it come apart easily?  Any special tools needed?  Parts available?  

Another thing - it looks like both rear axle seals leak quite a bit - difficult to get at?

I could send or post a picture or two if that would help.  Nice looking tractor, it looks perfect for our use.

Jim Kleiser
<!-- e --><a href="mailto:jdksail@gmail.com">jdksail@gmail.com</a><!-- e -->