There seems to be a general misconception about the 880 series of tractors
produced by David Brown. I find this all the time looking for parts, where
something will be listed simply as "David Brown 880", but it won't work for
my particular tractor. In 1961, the 880 Implematic was born. These were
known as the 880C and 880D models, and had serial numbers in the 3xxxxx
range. In 1964, the 880 Implematic was refitted with a 3 cyl. engine, and
were known as the 880E and 880F. These had serial numbers between 521001
and 527521. In 1965, the 880 was given a color change and a new hydraulic
system, and called the 880 Selectamatic, also known as the 880A and 880B.
These tractors were produced until the end of the line in 1971, and had
serial numbers from 530001 to 563379. Depending on how you look at it,
the 880 actually represents either 2 or 3 different tractors. What I
have found is that most parts houses list things as working for the 880,
but what they really mean is the 880A/B, or for the 1964 and up 880's
(since they had the same engine). Have no doubt, the tractor I have is
an 880C, built in 1962.
The serial number can be found
on the top right side of the frame, just in front of the engine and
behind the radiator.
The thought of restoring this tractor never crossed my mind when I purchased it. I had been borrowing my brother-in-laws little Ford 1500 tractor to mow the pasture and around the house, but that was a hassle and I knew that I would have to eventually get my own tractor to do those chores. One day, on my way home from work, I saw this 880 sitting on the side of the road with a bush hog attached and a big for sale sign. It was big (well, at least compared to the Ford 1500), it had all the features I wanted (primarly, a live PTO which the Ford didn't have), and the price was right.
However, now as things have started to need repair, I've had a chance to dig into the inner workings of the tractor, and appreciate the simplicity and beauty of it's design. The more I work on her, the more my desire to do a restoration is.. and after seeing pictures of other restored David Browns, I can almost picture mine looking that good some day. I also now have a better understanding of what is missing, damaged or otherwise need to be replaced!
So, this is all about documenting all stuff related to my David Brown tractor that I run across, a running commentary on what I've done so far, and just so when someone asks "so, how is the old tractor doing?", I can point them here to see for themselves. Of course, it may also serve as a reference source for someone else who happens to own one of these tractors and is looking to fix theirs up as well, or perhaps, just keep it running so the north 40 can be plowed before planting time.
Here are the links:
