Issue # 6: Feature Tractor - The 80 Industrial

While Oliver was better known for its agricultural line, their industrial models have a place in the history books too. The model 80 Industrial is one of those that has little published information about it. Most information that has been printed about it is incorrect.

Oliver tractors produced after the merger in 1929 were designated by their horsepower rating. These were the 18-27, 18-28 and 28-44. When the model 70 came along, the numeric designation of the other agricultural models changed to follow suit. Models available after that were the 70, 80, 90 and 99.

The industrial versions of these tractors were produced starting in 1931. The serial numbers for the Industrials began with the 900000 block of number. The first Industrial model was designated the model 18, which was basically an 18-28. The model 18 was only produced for one year before being renamed the model 28. The model 28 was produced until mid 1939 with 107 units being manufactured. In mid 1939, the 28 became the 35 Industrial. Although there were only 328 of these built until 1945, occasionally you’ll see one at a show or in the hands of a collector. This tractor was basically the same as the 80 Standard.

In 1945, at serial number 900441, the name was changed to the Industrial 80 with no major changes being made to the tractor. The one change that was made that sets this tractor apart from the 35 is the addition of side panels. The Industrial 80s were built in 2 variations, the 80-A and the 80-B.

The 80-A is very similar to the Standard 80. Minor differences involved the transmission gear combination, the rear wheel brakes, the industrial color scheme, and equipment mounting pads. Early tractors in this group were equipped with the same worm and gear steering mechanism as the Standard 80. The front wheel tread is 47 1/2” and the rear wheel tread is 54”. Approximate shipping weight of this model is 4900 pounds.

The second group of Industrial 80s began at number 900583 and was known as the 80-B. They have the same engine and front main frame as the 80-A but are equipped with the same front axle assembly as the 99. It also was equipped with a heavier steering gear supplied by Gemmer, and 7.00x20 front tires. The rear tread could be either 54” or 62”. The front wheel tread on the 80-B is 47 5/8”, just 1/8” wider than the 80-A. Approximate shipping weight of the 80-B is 6200 pounds, 1300 pounds heavier than it’s little brother. If the A and the B are sitting together, it is quite easy to tell the difference.

Industrial 80 models are easy to distinguish from the agricultural models if the serial tag should be missing. The Industrial 80s were equipped with a spring-type drawbar, hood side shields, exhaust muffler, radiator curtain, upholstered seat, industrial rear wheel guards, three lights and electric start with a battery and generator. The rear main frame was modified to provide a flat platform for the operator.

If you are interested in this story and the others like it, be sure to visit the online store and order a subscription to Oliver Heritage and while you are there, be sure to purchase your copy of Issue # 6!