Introduction
David Brown 780 Agricultural Tractor
Produced between 1967 and 1971 at the Meltham Mills facility in Huddersfield, England, the David Brown 780 is a two-wheel-drive utility tractor. Designed for general agricultural tasks, this model combines a 46-horsepower diesel engine with a mechanical drivetrain, reflecting the engineering standards of the era.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engine with a displacement of 164.4 cubic inches (2.7 liters). It features a bore and stroke of 3.9375 by 4.50 inches and a compression ratio of 17:1. The engine is rated at 2,200 RPM, providing a gross power output of 46 hp (34.3 kW). The firing order for the cylinders is 1-2-3.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 780 model is equipped with a sliding gear transmission. It offers two main configurations: a 12-speed variant (12 forward and 4 reverse gears) and a 6-speed variant (6 forward and 2 reverse). Power is transferred via a dry disc clutch to the rear wheels, which are fitted with 12.4/11-28 agricultural tires.
Hydraulics and PTO
The hydraulic system operates at a pressure of 2,000 psi (137.9 bar) with a pump flow capacity of 7.4 gpm (28.0 lpm). The rear PTO is a live system, offering two speed options: 540 RPM at 1828 engine RPM and 1000 RPM at 2000 engine RPM. A Type I rear hitch is provided, with a maximum lift capacity of 1,600 lbs (725 kg).
Dimensions and Handling
The tractor has a wheelbase of 75.8 inches (192 cm) and a total length of 111.75 inches (283 cm). With a width of 64 inches (162 cm) and a ground clearance of 11.75 inches (29 cm), the machine weighs approximately 3,470 lbs (1,573 kg). Steering is manual, and the braking system utilizes mechanical drum brakes.
Conclusion
With 8,986 units manufactured, the David Brown 780 remains a notable example of mid-range agricultural machinery from the late 1960s. Its combination of a 46 hp engine, versatile PTO speeds, and standard hydraulic lift capacity makes it suited for light-to-medium field work and general farm maintenance.
Production Information of David Brown, 780
- Original price was $4,000 in 1971
- Built in Meltham Mills, Huddersfield, England
| Manufacturer | David Brown |
|---|---|
| Total built | 8,986 |
Dimension and Tires Information of David Brown, 780
| Wheelbase | 75.8 inches [192 cm] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3,470 lbs [1573 kg] |
| Height | 82.5 inches [209 cm] |
| Length | 111.75 inches [283 cm] |
| Ground clearance | 11.75 inches [29 cm] |
| Width | 64 inches [162 cm] |
| Ag front | 6.00-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 12.4/11-28 |
Engine Specifications of David Brown, 780
- David Brown
- Liquid-cooled
- Diesel
- 3-cylinder
| Firing order | 1-2-3 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 164.4 ci [2.7 L] |
| Compression | 17:1 |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.9375x4.50 inches [100 x 114 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 10 qts [9.5 L] |
| Oil capacity | 6.5 qts [6.2 L] |
| Idle RPM | 700-2200 |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Power (gross) | 46 hp [34.3 kW] |
Transmission Information of David Brown, 780
Transmission variants 1
| Transmission | Sliding gear |
|---|---|
| Oil capacity | 24 qts [22.7 L] |
| Gears | 12 forward and 4 reverse |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
Transmission variants 2
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Dry disc |
- 12-speed
- 6-speed
Mechanical Specs of David Brown, 780
- Two-wheel drive
- Manual steering
- Mechanical drum brakes
Power Information of David Brown, 780
| Rear PTO | Live |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO(optional) | 1000@2000 |
| Rear PTO Type | 540/1000 |
| Engine RPM | 540@1828 |
Hydraulics Specifications of David Brown, 780
| Pressure | 2000 psi [137.9 bar] |
|---|---|
| Pressure(optional) | SAE20W40 |
| Pressure(optional) | SAE20W30 |
| Pump flow | 7.4 gpm [28.0 lpm] |
| Oil type | SAE20W30SAE20W40 |
Three-Point Hitch of David Brown, 780
| Rear Type | I |
|---|---|
| Rear lift | 1600 lbs [725 kg] |
Electrical System of David Brown, 780
| Ground | Negative |
|---|
Where it sits
With 46 HP, the David Brown 780 sits between 880 (44 HP) and 885 (47 HP) in David Brown's range. Its power puts it in the 45th percentile of 1960s models in our database (709 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the David Brown 780 have?
The David Brown 780 delivers 46 HP.
What years was the David Brown 780 produced?
The David Brown 780 was produced in 1967-1971.
What engine does the David Brown 780 have?
The David Brown 780 is powered by a Diesel, 3-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the David Brown 780 use?
The David Brown 780 uses a Sliding gear transmission.
How much does the David Brown 780 weigh?
The David Brown 780 weighs 3,470 lbs [1573 kg].
Is the David Brown 780 4WD?
The David Brown 780 is available in 2WD.