Click here to see the webmaster's 1956 model 80, a rice special! And you can learn more about the 80 as well!
The model 80 was introduced in 1955, replacing the older model R. It recieved new features, such as a bigger diesel engine, and a different starting engine (V-4 instead of opposed two cylinder), and six forward speeds. Options included power steering, PTO (live PTO also avaliable), and remote hydraulics. One very important difference from its predecessor was a set of strong PTO drive gears, which were prone to fail in the R under hard use.
All these features, especially the stronger PTO drive, and power steering made them popular for industrial use-most often pulling a scraper. Pulling a scraper often required large amounts of rear wheel weights, and even front wheel weights to keep the nose down.
However, there was no special industrial version of the 80. It was probably considered strong enough as it was for industrial use (its short production span was probably also a factor). There are no special industrial parts in the parts book.
I have some pictures of at least one restored "industrial" 80, with industrial yellow paint (see the 80 Pictures page). The color is not a problem (although, I haven't seen any factory pictures of yellow 80s, yet). One problem is that this tractor has a front bumper, similar to what is used on 830Is and 840s. This bumper was NOT an option for the 80s, because it didn't exsist at the time. This bumper also needed the frame with pads and drilled holes that is used on the 830Is and 840s, which didn't exsist yet!
Either someone has done some modifications, or there was something very wrong at the factory-say a nuclear accident which made a mutated 80! At least no one grew a third arm...
I feel, I should mention that there were various experiments leading to the 840 design, and many were based on the 80s and 820s. Some even had the frame with pads and drilled holes. But the 80 mentioned above does not have this frame, and the bumper was somehow modified to fit.
80 Serial Numbers
Tag Location: Right side, by pulley, under fuel filters
