Introduction
J.I. Case 1290 Utility Tractor
The J.I. Case 1290 is a utility tractor manufactured by David Brown in Meltham Mills, Huddersfield, England. Produced between 1980 and 1983, this machine was designed for general agricultural tasks, offering a balance of mechanical simplicity and functional versatility.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 4-cylinder, 3.6-liter liquid-cooled diesel engine, producing 58 horsepower at a rated speed of 2200 RPM. The engine features a dual dry element air cleaner to ensure efficient filtration. It utilizes a 12-volt starting system and has a coolant capacity of 14.0 liters with an oil capacity of 7.5 liters.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 1290 is equipped with a synchromesh transmission providing 12 forward and 4 reverse gears, paired with a dry disc clutch. It is available in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The tractor features power steering and mechanical drum brakes for operational control.
Hydraulics and PTO
The hydraulic system is of the open-center type, delivering a pump flow of 7.25 gallons per minute (27.4 liters per minute). It supports 1 or 2 hydraulic valves for implement operation and has a total system capacity of 7.1 gallons (26.9 liters). The rear PTO operates at 540 RPM and is available as an independent option.
Dimensions and Weight
The tractor has a wheelbase of 83 inches (210 cm) and a total length of 135 inches (342 cm). The height to the top of the exhaust is 88 inches (223 cm). It has a shipping weight of 5,390 lbs (2444 kg) and a maximum weight rating of 10,500 lbs (4762 kg). Ground clearance varies by drivetrain, with 21 inches for 2WD models and 13 inches for 4WD front axles.
Conclusion
The J.I. Case 1290 is a standard utility tractor suited for small-to-medium scale agricultural operations. Its combination of a 58-horsepower engine and a 12-speed synchromesh transmission makes it a functional choice for farmers seeking a reliable, period-correct machine for general field and utility work.
Production Information of David Brown, 1290
- Original price was $20,100 in 1983
- Utility tractor
- Built in Meltham Mills, Huddersfield, England
| Manufacturer | David Brown (a part of J.I. Case) |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of David Brown, 1290
| 4WD Clearance (front axle) | 13 inches [33 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 83 inches [210 cm] |
| Max weight | 10,500 lbs [4762 kg] |
| Shipping weight | 5,390 lbs [2444 kg] |
| Length | 135 inches [342 cm] |
| 2WD Clearance (front axle) | 21 inches [53 cm] |
| Height (exhaust) | 88 inches [223 cm] |
| Ag front | 7.50-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 16.9-30 |
Engine Specifications of David Brown, 1290
- J.I. Case
- The 3.6 liter engine was introduced at serial number 11052369 in tractors with an independent PTO and serial number 11052410 on tractors with a continuous PTO.
- Liquid-cooled
- Diesel
- 4-cylinder
| Oil capacity | 7.9 qts [7.5 L] |
|---|---|
| Air cleaner | Dual dry element |
| Displacement | 219 ci [3.6 L] |
| Coolant capacity | 14.8 qts [14.0 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.94x4.50 inches [100 x 114 mm] |
Transmission Information of David Brown, 1290
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Synchromesh |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 28.5 qts [27.0 L] |
| Gears | 12 forward and 4 reverse |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
Mechanical Specs of David Brown, 1290
- Two- or four-wheel drive
- Two-post ROPS.
- Power steering
- Mechanical drum brakes
Power Information of David Brown, 1290
| Rear PTO | Transmission |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO(optional) | Independent |
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
Hydraulics Specifications of David Brown, 1290
| Type | Open center |
|---|---|
| Pump flow | 7.25 gpm [27.4 lpm] |
| Capacity | 7.1 gal [26.9 L] |
| Valves | 1 or 2 |
Three-Point Hitch of David Brown, 1290
| Rear Type | 2/1 |
|---|
Electrical System of David Brown, 1290
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Charging amps | 26 |
Where it sits
With 58 hp[P] HP, the David Brown 1290 sits between 990 (52 HP) and 995 (62 HP) in David Brown's range. Its power puts it in the 40th percentile of 1980s models in our database (2052 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the David Brown 1290 have?
The David Brown 1290 delivers 58 hp[P] HP.
What years was the David Brown 1290 produced?
The David Brown 1290 was produced in 1980-1983.
What engine does the David Brown 1290 have?
The David Brown 1290 is powered by a Diesel, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the David Brown 1290 use?
The David Brown 1290 uses a Synchromesh transmission.
How much does the David Brown 1290 weigh?
The David Brown 1290 weighs 10,500 lbs [4762 kg].
Is the David Brown 1290 4WD?
The David Brown 1290 is available in 2WD/4WD.