I just bought an Oliver 550, a 1964 gas model. I bought it sight unseen at an auction, my father in law did the buying for me. He just happened to stop in at the sale and called me to tell me what was there. I was able to go online and see the sale bill and saw the tractor. I gave him my &quot;bid&quot; and I ended up with it. He told me that it runs good, but the clutch seemed out. 

When I went to pick it up, the auctioneer staff told me it was &quot;stuck in two gears&quot; and thats how they sold it so I should plan on winching it up as it couldn't be driven. I did start it and I will agree that there seems to be no clutch. I also noted that the pto lever won't lock forward. With the tractor shut off I could find all the gears in the H-pattern and it would seemingly go into each. We winched it on for the trip home, best to be safe. 

We stopped at the wash rack and pressure washed the tractor. I can see by the orange/red rtv that the top cover or hydraulic cover has been off. I also noted some new sealant in a seam forward of the transmission, but not where I would expect one to &quot;split&quot; the tractor. Obvious someone has been in there. 

Having just got this home, I don't have a manual yet. Top of the list. My first thought is to split the tractor and look at the clutch, but before I do how can I tell (other than to remove the top cover for the transmission) if this is truly stuck in between gears? Is there any clue with the pto lever not going forward? (This is the lever on the right side comes out just forward of the brake pedals. My first 550 so I'm guessing PTO)

I'm in already for the $1100 purchase price. Rubber is weather checked but useable, if the tach-hourmeter is correct it shows 3940 hrs. Fiberglass grille has a few dings, fenders and tin are ok, just has the bottom of the side panels bent up. Gas guage and temp guage are no good. Missing two lights and will need rewired. 

More Oliver fun.