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Back in March 2026, I wrote an article about this Oliver tractor I am restoring. This is the follow up to this project.
In December of 2023, I received and phone call about this Oliver 88 tractor and took possession of it. In June of 2026, I put the last parts and decals on it. It took 30 months of planning, searching and learning about this piece of equipment.
In some of my research, I found out that the Oliver model 88 production started in 1947.
From 1947 to 1948, the Oliver 88 had what was known as the round hood version or the old style. From 1948 to 1953, the Oliver 88 became known as the fleetline or row crop version. In 1954, the Oliver Super 88 came into production.
Between 1948 and 1953 there were only about 5,000 Oliver 88s produced. This one, being a 1952, falls into this group. This makes finding some used parts almost impossible to get, which is one of many reasons it took 30 months to get it back together.
I was able to display the tractor proudly at our Caroline Dorchester County Fair this year.
The local feedback was well received from the folks at the fair. I even received some calls from people who just wanted to talk Oliver tractors in general. There are many other Oliver tractors of many models in our area, and each one has its own story.
Here at K. B. Middleton Repair, we service and repair many different types of vehicles and equipment. If you think you can use our services, feel free to give us a call at 443-786-0180. We will do our best to get you fixed up and running safely.
Thanks for reading.
