The Oliver 880 tractor, produced from 1958 to 1963, holds a special place in agricultural history as a symbol of the era’s farm machinery. With its classic design and durable build, it remains a nostalgic favorite among collectors and enthusiasts. This row-crop tractor, available in different variants to suit various needs, was known for its reliability and versatility on the field. Its manual steering and mechanical disc brakes reflect the simpler technology of its time, while its open operator station offers a connection to the past. Today, the Oliver 880 is cherished not only for its historical significance but also as a beloved collectible that reminds us of the enduring legacy of early tractor technology in farming.
| Oliver 880 Specs |
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| Years of Production | 1958 – 1963 |
| Type | Row-Crop Tractor |
| Production |
|---|
| Manufacturer | Oliver |
| Factory | Charles City, Iowa, USA |
| Original Price (1963) | $5,000 |
| Variants |
|---|
| 880 | Row-Crop |
| 880 Wheatland | Standard |
| 880 High-Crop | High-Clearance |
| Engines Overview |
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| Waukesha-Oliver | 4.3L 6-cyl Gasoline |
| Waukesha-Oliver | 4.3L 6-cyl Diesel |
| Engine Details (Gasoline) |
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| Type | 6-cylinder, liquid-cooled vertical I-head |
| Displacement | 265.1 cubic inches (4.3 liters) |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.75×4.00 inches (95 x 102 mm) |
| Air Cleaner | Oil bath |
| Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 |
| Rated RPM | 1750 |
| Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Starter Voltage | 12 volts |
| Oil Capacity | 8 quarts (7.6 liters) |
| Coolant Capacity | 18 quarts (17.0 liters) |
| Engine Details (Diesel) |
|---|
| Type | 6-cylinder, liquid-cooled vertical I-head |
| Displacement | 265.1 cubic inches (4.3 liters) |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.75×4.00 inches (95 x 102 mm) |
| Air Cleaner | Oil bath |
| Compression Ratio | 16:1 |
| Rated RPM | 1750 |
| Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Starter Voltage | 12 volts |
| Transmissions Overview |
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| 6-speed | constant mesh |
| 12-speed | two-speed power shift |
| Transmission Details |
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| Type | Constant mesh |
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
| Oliver 880 Power |
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| Drawbar (claimed) | 42 hp / 31.3 kW |
| PTO (claimed) | 55 hp / 41.0 kW |
| Plows | 3 16-inch or 4 14-inch |
| Drawbar (tested) | 54.92 hp / 41.0 kW |
| Belt (tested) | 61.86 hp / 46.1 kW |
| Mechanical |
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| Drive | Two-wheel drive |
| Steering | Manual |
| Brakes | Differential mechanical disc brakes |
| Operator Station | Open |
| Tractor Hitch |
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| Rear Type | II/I |
| Power Take-off (PTO) |
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| Rear PTO | Independent |
| Rear RPM | 540 |
| 880 Serial Numbers |
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| 1958 | 60505 |
| 1959 | 71640 |
| 1960 | 84555 |
| 1961 | 111262 |
| 1962 | 117640 |
| 1963 | 128911 |
| Oliver 880 Tires |
|---|
| Ag Front | 6.50-16 |
| Ag Rear | 14.00-34 |
| Dimensions |
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| Wheelbase | 94 inches (238 cm) |
| Length | 144 inches (365 cm) |
| Width | 92 inches (233 cm) |
| Operating Weight | 5640 lbs (2558 kg) |
| Ballasted Weight | 10845 lbs (4919 kg) |
| Front Tread | 8.1/12.1 inches (20/30 cm) |
| Rear Tread | 60 to 92.5 inches (152 to 234 cm) |
| Nebraska Tractor Test 647 (Gasoline 6-speed 2WD) |
|---|
| Belt Power (Max) | 61.86 hp / 46.1 kW |
| Belt Fuel Use (Max) | 5.4 gal/hour / 20.4 l/hour |
| Drawbar Performance (Max Power) | 54.92 hp / 41.0 kW |
| Max Pull | 7,998 lbs / 3627 kg |
| Nebraska Tractor Test 650 (Diesel 6-speed 2WD) |
|---|
| Belt Power (Max) | 59.48 hp / 44.4 kW |
| Belt Fuel Use (Max) | 4.0 gal/hour / 15.1 l/hour |
| Drawbar Performance (Max Power) | 50.88 hp / 37.9 kW |
| Max Pull | 8,118 lbs / 3682 kg |
Oliver 880 tractor overview
The Oliver 880 tractor, produced between 1958 and 1963, is a revered historical model in today’s world and holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts. As a representation of tractor technology from its era, it offers a captivating glimpse into the past.
In its time, the Oliver 880 was considered a dependable workhorse on the farm. It came in different variants, including the row-crop, Wheatland, and High-Crop models, showcasing its adaptability to a variety of agricultural tasks. With its 6-cylinder engines, available in both gasoline and diesel versions, it offered the power needed for the demanding work of that era.
One of the standout features of the Oliver 880 was its rugged and durable design. It featured a manual steering system and mechanical disc brakes, which were standard for tractors of its time. The open operator station provided a straightforward and uncluttered workspace for farmers.
The Oliver 880’s transmission options included a 6-speed constant mesh and a 12-speed two-speed power shift, reflecting the technological advancements of its era. These transmissions allowed farmers to adjust power and speed to suit different tasks, enhancing its versatility.
Today, the Oliver 880 is highly regarded as a collector’s model, admired for its historical significance and vintage charm. Collectors cherish its classic design, which serves as a reminder of the simplicity and robustness that characterized tractors of the 1950s and 1960s. The tractor’s serial numbers, production years, and specifications are meticulously documented and sought after by enthusiasts.
As a historical model, the Oliver 880 stands as a testament to the evolution of tractor technology, offering a bridge between the past and the present. Its enduring appeal lies in its reliability, versatility, and the enduring legacy it represents in the world of farming machinery. For collectors, it’s a prized possession, evoking a sense of nostalgia and a connection to the rich agricultural heritage of days gone by.
Comparing Models: Oliver 880, 880 Wheatland, and 880 High-Crop
In the world of vintage tractors, the Oliver 880 series stands out as a classic, known for its versatility and rugged design. Within this series, there are three distinct models: the 880, the 880 Wheatland, and the 880 High-Crop. Each of these models served different agricultural purposes, and while they share some common traits, they also have significant differences that set them apart. In this article, we will compare and contrast these three models to help you understand their unique characteristics.Common Features:
Common features that unite these models:
Manufacturer: All three models were manufactured by Oliver, a renowned name in the tractor industry with a history of producing reliable farm equipment.
Production Era: The 880, 880 Wheatland, and 880 High-Crop were all produced during the same time frame, spanning from 1958 to 1963.
Engine Options: They share the same engine options, with 6-cylinder powerplants available in diesel, LP-gas, and gasoline variants. These engines provided the necessary horsepower for a range of farm tasks.
Transmissions: The models offered a choice between 6-speed gear and 12-speed two-speed power shift transmissions. This flexibility allowed farmers to adapt to various workloads.
Mechanical Design: They all featured manual steering, mechanical disc brakes, and an open operator station. These design elements were typical of tractors from that era, emphasizing durability and simplicity.
Differences:
Now, let’s delve into the differences that make each of these models unique:
880 – Row-Crop Model: The Oliver 880 was a versatile row-crop tractor designed for a wide range of farming tasks. Its lower clearance and standard configuration made it suitable for general-purpose farming, including plowing, planting, and cultivating row crops.
880 Wheatland – Standard Model: The 880 Wheatland was designed as the standard model. It had a more traditional look and was well-suited for conventional farming practices. Its distinguishing feature was its adaptability to various implements and tasks, making it a dependable choice for many farmers.
880 High-Crop – High-Clearance Model: The 880 High-Crop, as the name suggests, was engineered for high-clearance farming. With its elevated chassis and specialized tires, it could easily navigate over tall crops. This model was particularly valuable for crops like cotton, sugar cane, and other high-standing plants.
Similarities and Purposes:
Despite their differences, these models shared a common purpose: to serve the needs of farmers during the late 1950s and early 1960s. They were designed to be reliable workhorses on the farm, capable of handling a variety of tasks with efficiency and power. Their availability in different fuel options allowed farmers to choose what best suited their operations.
In conclusion, the Oliver 880, 880 Wheatland, and 880 High-Crop tractors are iconic representations of a bygone era in agriculture. While they shared core features and capabilities, each model catered to distinct farming needs, whether in traditional row-crop farming or high-clearance specialty crops. Today, these tractors are treasured by collectors and enthusiasts alike, not only for their historical significance but also for the legacy they represent in the world of farming machinery.
