Introduction
David Brown 1200 Agricultural Tractor
The David Brown 1200 is a classic agricultural tractor manufactured in Meltham Mills, Huddersfield, England, between 1967 and 1971. Designed for versatility and reliability, it served as a primary power unit for medium-scale farming operations during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 219.4 cubic inches (3.6 liters). It produces a gross power output of 72 hp (53.7 kW) at a rated speed of 2300 RPM. The engine cooling system has a capacity of 14.4 quarts (13.6 liters), and the lubrication system requires 7.8 quarts (7.4 liters) of oil.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 1200 model features a gear-type transmission with a dry disc clutch. Operators could choose between a standard 6-speed forward and 2-speed reverse configuration or an optional 12-speed forward and 4-speed reverse setup. The machine was initially offered as a 4x2 2WD model, with a 4x4 MFWD (Mechanical Front-Wheel Drive) option becoming available in 1970 to improve traction in difficult field conditions.
Hydraulics and Hitch
Equipped with the proprietary Selectamatic hydraulic system, the tractor provides a pump flow of 6.86 gpm (26.0 lpm). The rear hitch is a Type II category system, capable of a rated lift capacity of 3450 lbs (1564 kg), with a working capacity of 2200 lbs (997 kg), facilitating the use of a wide range of mounted implements.
Dimensions and Weight
The 2WD version of the tractor has a wheelbase of 89 inches (226 cm) and a base weight of 6230 lbs (2825 kg). The 4WD model is slightly heavier at 6690 lbs (3034 kg) and features an 87-inch (220 cm) wheelbase. Ground clearance varies by model, with the 4WD version offering 15.9 inches (40 cm) of clearance at the drawbar.
Conclusion
The David Brown 1200 represents a robust period in British tractor manufacturing, offering a balanced combination of engine power and hydraulic control. It remains a capable machine for standard agricultural tasks and is well-regarded by collectors for its mechanical simplicity and historical significance.
Production Information of David Brown, 1200
- Built in Meltham Mills, Huddersfield, England
- Original price was $6,700 in 1971
| Manufacturer | David Brown |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of David Brown, 1200
| 4WD Clearance (drawbar) | 15.9 inches [40 cm] |
|---|---|
| 2WD Wheelbase | 89 inches [226 cm] |
| 4WD Width | 74 inches [187 cm] |
| 2WD Width | 70 inches [177 cm] |
| 4WD Wheelbase | 87 inches [220 cm] |
| 2WD Clearance (front axle) | 21.4 inches [54 cm] |
| 2WD Weight | 6230 lbs [2825 kg] |
| Length | 143 inches [363 cm] |
| Rear tread | 56 to 80 inches [142 to 203 cm] |
| 2WD Front tread | 52 to 72 inches [132 to 182 cm] |
| 2WD Clearance (drawbar) | 16.5 inches [41 cm] |
| 4WD Clearance (front axle) | 14.2 inches [36 cm] |
| 4WD Weight | 6690 lbs [3034 kg] |
| Standard tires (ag) | Front: 7.50-16. Rear: 13.6-38 (2WD) |
|---|---|
| Standard tires (ag)(optional) | Front: 10-24. Rear: 13.6-36 (4WD) |
Engine Specifications of David Brown, 1200
- David Brown
- Liquid-cooled
- Diesel
- 4-cylinder
| Oil capacity | 7.8 qts [7.4 L] |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 219.4 ci [3.6 L] |
| Rated RPM | 2300 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.94x4.50 inches [100 x 114 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 14.4 qts [13.6 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Operating RPM | 700-2300 |
| Power (gross) | 72 hp [53.7 kW] |
Transmission Information of David Brown, 1200
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 43.3 qts [41.0 L] |
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
Transmission variants 2
| Gears | 12 forward and 4 reverse |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Dry disc |
| Oil capacity | 43.3 qts [41.0 L] |
- 6-speed gear
- 12-speed
Mechanical Specs of David Brown, 1200
- Open operator station.
| Drive | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive(optional) | 4x4 MFWD 4WD |
Four-wheel drive became an option in 1970.
Power Information of David Brown, 1200
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
| Rear PTO Type(optional) | 540/1000 |
Hydraulics Specifications of David Brown, 1200
| Type | Selectamatic |
|---|---|
| Pump flow | 6.86 gpm [26.0 lpm] |
Three-Point Hitch of David Brown, 1200
| Rear Type | II |
|---|---|
| Rear lift | 2200 lbs (working) [997 kg] |
| Rear lift(optional) | 3450 lbs (rated) [1564 kg] |
Where it sits
With 72 HP, the David Brown 1200 sits between 1212 (71 HP) and 1490 (83 HP) in David Brown's range. Its power puts it in the 74th percentile of 1960s models in our database (709 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the David Brown 1200 have?
The David Brown 1200 delivers 72 HP.
What years was the David Brown 1200 produced?
The David Brown 1200 was produced in 1967-1971.
What engine does the David Brown 1200 have?
The David Brown 1200 is powered by a Diesel, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the David Brown 1200 use?
The David Brown 1200 uses a Gear transmission.
How much does the David Brown 1200 weigh?
The David Brown 1200 weighs 6230 lbs [2825 kg].
Is the David Brown 1200 4WD?
The David Brown 1200 is available in 2WD/4WD.