Introduction
J.I. Case 1490 Utility Tractor
The J.I. Case 1490 is a utility tractor manufactured by David Brown in Meltham Mills, Huddersfield, England, and produced between 1980 and 1983. Designed for general agricultural tasks, it serves as a robust mid-range power unit within the J.I. Case lineup of that era.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 219 cubic inch (3.6 L) 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. This liquid-cooled unit produces 83 horsepower (61.9 kW) at a rated speed of 2200 RPM. The engine features a 16:1 compression ratio and utilizes a dual dry element air cleaner to maintain performance in dusty field conditions.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 1490 offers two transmission configurations: a 12-speed synchromesh gearbox or a 12-speed partial power shift system. Both options provide 12 forward and 4 reverse gears, utilizing a hydraulic dry disc clutch. The tractor was available in either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive variants, supported by power steering and hydraulic wet disc brakes for operational control.
Hydraulics and PTO
Equipped with an open-center hydraulic system, the tractor delivers a total flow of 8.4 gpm (31.8 lpm) at a system pressure of 2000 psi (137.9 bar). It features one hydraulic valve and a Category II rear hitch with a lift capacity of 4,400 lbs (1995 kg). The rear power take-off (PTO) is independent and offers selectable speeds of 540 or 1000 RPM.
Dimensions and Configuration
The tractor features a wheelbase of 88.5 inches (224 cm) and a total length of 143 inches (363 cm). Ground clearance varies based on the drivetrain, measuring 21 inches (53 cm) for the 2WD model and 13 inches (33 cm) for the 4WD model. The operator station comes standard with a two-post ROPS, with an optional cab available for enhanced comfort.
Conclusion
The J.I. Case 1490 is a durable utility tractor suited for varied farming operations, combining flexible transmission choices with sufficient hydraulic capacity for standard implements. Its robust construction and power-to-weight ratio make it a functional choice for mid-sized agricultural applications.
Production Information of David Brown, 1490
- Original price was $25,400 in 1983
- Utility tractor
- Built in Meltham Mills, Huddersfield, England
| Manufacturer | David Brown |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of David Brown, 1490
| 4WD Ground clearance | 13 inches [33 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 88.5 inches [224 cm] |
| Height (exhaust) | 94 inches [238 cm] |
| Height (cab) | 105 inches [266 cm] |
| Length | 143 inches [363 cm] |
| Rear tread | 60 to 80 inches [152 to 203 cm] |
| 2WD Ground clearance | 21 inches [53 cm] |
| Width | 76.5 inches [194 cm] |
| Rear tread | 62 to 88 inches [157 to 223 cm ] |
With power-adjust rear wheels.
| Ag front | 11L-15 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 18.4-34 |
Engine Specifications of David Brown, 1490
- J.I. Case
- Liquid-cooled
- 4-cylinder
- Turbocharged diesel
| Air cleaner | Dual dry element |
|---|---|
| Firing order | 1-2-4-3 |
| Displacement | 219 ci [3.6 L] |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.939x4.500 inches [100 x 114 mm] |
| Power | 83 hp [61.9 kW] |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Compression | 16:1 |
| Coolant capacity | 15 qts [14.2 L] |
| Oil capacity | 7.8 qts [7.4 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
Transmission Information of David Brown, 1490
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Synchromesh |
|---|---|
| Gears | 12 forward and 4 reverse |
| Clutch | Hydraulic dry disc |
Transmission variants 2
- Three gears, plus reverse, with a four-range power shift.
| Type | Partial power shift |
|---|---|
| Gears | 12 forward and 4 reverse |
| Clutch | Hydraulic dry disc |
- 12-speed synchromesh
- 12-speed partial power shift
Mechanical Specs of David Brown, 1490
- Two- or four-wheel drive
- Two-post ROPS. Cab optional.
- Power steering
- Hydraulic wet disc brakes
Power Information of David Brown, 1490
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540/1000 |
Hydraulics Specifications of David Brown, 1490
| Type | Open center |
|---|---|
| Total flow | 8.4 gpm [31.8 lpm] |
| Pressure | 2000 psi [137.9 bar] |
| Valves | 1 |
Three-Point Hitch of David Brown, 1490
| Rear Type | II |
|---|---|
| Rear lift | 4,400 lbs [1995 kg] |
Electrical System of David Brown, 1490
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
Where it sits
With 83 HP, the David Brown 1490 sits between 1200 (72 HP) and 1410 (91 HP) in David Brown's range. Its power puts it in the 63th percentile of 1980s models in our database (2052 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the David Brown 1490 have?
The David Brown 1490 delivers 83 HP.
What years was the David Brown 1490 produced?
The David Brown 1490 was produced in 1980-1983.
What engine does the David Brown 1490 have?
The David Brown 1490 is powered by a Turbocharged diesel, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the David Brown 1490 use?
The David Brown 1490 uses a Synchromesh transmission.
Is the David Brown 1490 4WD?
The David Brown 1490 is available in 2WD/4WD.