Oliver OC-46 crawler loader opinions?

I've been told that it runs. It needs a hydraulic hose replaced that lifts the bucket. It looks to be in pretty good shape, although the hood seems to have gone awol. I don't know if it is somewhere around the farm or not.

It is close enough that if I got it running, I could drive it home to my farm.

It is an adorable little machine, but I wonder what the general opinion is of these. I woudl probably restore it someday, but would like to do some work around the farm with it as well.

Did these have any chronic weak spots, or aspects that are prone to failure? I have no experience whatsoever with crawlers- never driven one. But it seems like it would make a nice addition to the stable, if cheap enough.

Thanks for any info you can lend.

I have an OC-46 3G with the 3 cylinder gas motor and Travel Reverser. I rebuilt it about 7 years ago and added a quick attach backhoe to it as well. Just about anything you will need you can get from Landis Zimmerman, including good advice.

Things to check: Sprocket nuts/studs. Check for loose, broken or missing studs. If the holes in in sprocket are worn, a weld-in center is available from Zimmerman's.

Final drive housings: Check for leaks and also check for cracks, especially at the flange where it bolts to the transmission. Check the studs at the flange as well.

If it has spent time outside, check for water in the transmission/finals. If the shifter boot is damaged or missing, water will easily find its way in to these compartments, spoiling the bearings and sometimes other components.

Undercarriage: Use a bar and check for looseness in the sprockets, front idlers and rolls. Check the pins and bushings on each track. If the bushings are worn through, replacement is needed.
Check the sides of the track links. If you see noticable wear up onto the end of the pins, that is an indication that the track rolls are worn.
Shaft and bushing/seal kits are available for the rolls and idlers from Zimmerman's. Replacement rolls are available as well.

Engine: Check for oil pressure (45 pounds @ full throttle w/engine hot is good), also check for smoke, and front/rear main seal leaks. Parts are available, but they are somewhat pricey.

These are great little loaders and are a joy to operate. So, good luck and have fun!

Scott Goff

I'm confused about the hydraulics on the oc46. I can identify 2 of the 3 levers on the right. One will be the main bucket lift, and another will be the bucket tilt. But what is the 3rd?

My OC46 only has a 2 spool valve. However, the parts machine I have has a three spool valve. The third spool was used for raising and lowering the hitch for the backhoe attachment.

I would trace the hoses and see where they lead to. If the third spool is unused, you could always use it for a remote hookup for implements, or even a top clamp for a fork setup instead of the bucket.

If you have access to a digital camera, feel free to send some photos.

Regards,
Scott

mine just has the standard 4-speed tranny and differential steering (no Slo-Low or spot-turn steering). as far as i can tell, they should be pretty bullet-proof for medium-duty work. i don't know how they would hold up for full-time heavy duty use, but it should last me as long as i will be able to use it.

i paid $2700 for mine and feel it was well worth it. if the price on the one you're looking at is reasonable and you have a use for it, i don't think you'd go wrong.

andy b.

yup, i got it from Joe. i had been following his ads for a long time and even called a few times on things he had. i started seriously looking for a small crawler during the summer and saw this one. i stopped out his place and when he said he was heading west i told him, "thanks. i finally get serious on crawlers and you leave the state."
:-)

i think a few people were scared of the one i bought because it wasn't running and had a drive problem. i saw yours when i stopped out to pick up a magneto. yours didn't look too bad, but it WAS in running condition. i think your sprockets were in better condition than mine.

i unlocked my email if you want to send me a note offline. Joe is a pretty cool guy, i was sad to see him move back west.

andy b.

I saw a post earlier about trans housing cracking or something. I need to look that up again.

Thanks for the info.