88 row crop with non-adjustable front axle?

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member
I have a friend who just bought a 1954 Oliver 88 diesel at an auction. Serial number is 502 238 04. Strange thing is has a row crop rear end with adjustable axles, but the front axle is a straight non-adjustable axle like a Standard. Obviously with a tractor that is almost 60 years old the front end could have been changed at some time, but was it an option from the factory to have a straight wide axle on a row crop? It doesn't look like it ever had a loader on it. Thanks for the help.

Jim
 
First of all it is a 1957 Super 88 with the optional slow speed rear end. Right above that serial number is the specification number. The first 2 numbers should be 28. What are the other digits? I just checked my 88 parts book and 2 different straight non adjustable axles are listed for row crop tractors.
 
My understanding is they quit making the older 'Standard' (and Wheatland) version that had smaller rear tires and high speed rear end midway in the Super series and went with what you have.
 
   77 & 88 Wheatland tractors had 26" rear wheels and tires as did the early Super 77 & Super 88 tractors.   Competive tractors like MM and Case always used 38" rear wheels and tires.   The footprint was much larger on the 38" tires, thus they pulled better in the field.   The late Super 77 and Super 88 tractors were built with the row crop rear axle housing, and axles with row crop wheels and 38" tires.   The early tractors had the cast front axle with straddle mount for the housing that held the carrier for the flanged axle.   The late front axle was made from a solid steel bar that had a slight arch with welded drop housings for the short spindles.   The late tractor axle was made that way to level the tractor with the 38" wheels and tires.
   John told you that you have a 57 production tractor ( a late one ), thus it is more than likely the way it was built at the factory.   I wouldn"t say that it is rare, however this configuration is not common.   If you are thinking of restoring it should be well worth the effort.   I have a friend that has the early version Super 88.
 
You say"2 different straight non adjustable axles are listed for row crop"

Did that mean there was a choice of front end track by choosing the axle length and turning/altering the wheel dishes?

Regards, RAB
 
Thanks for the information fellows. I'll stop by his house tonight to get the spec numbers as well as the serial number for the motor.

The tractor runs very smooth, but has external cracks on the water jacket. He told me last night that even with a buyer fee he bought the tractor for $550! LOL how come I never find such deals.

Jim
 

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