Introduction
David Brown 850 Utility Tractor
The David Brown 850 is a utility tractor produced in Meltham Mills, Huddersfield, England, between 1960 and 1965. Designed for general agricultural tasks, this two-wheel-drive model is characterized by its 35 hp engine and compact mechanical configuration.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 154 cubic inch (2.5 L) 4-cylinder gasoline engine. It utilizes liquid cooling and an oil bath air cleaner. The engine operates at a rated speed of 2000 RPM, with an idle range between 700 and 2000 RPM. It features a compression ratio of 6.25:1.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The power is transmitted via an unsynchronized gear transmission offering 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds, organized into two ranges (low and high) with three gears each. The drivetrain includes a dry disc clutch and a spur gear final drive system. The tractor is configured exclusively as a two-wheel-drive unit.
Hydraulics and PTO
The rear power take-off (PTO) supports both 540 and 1000 RPM operation. The system utilizes a 1.375-inch shaft and is equipped with a dry disc clutch. A live PTO option was available for this model. The rear hitch is classified as Category I.
Dimensions and Handling
The 850 model features a wheelbase of 75.25 inches (191 cm) and a total length of 113.5 inches (288 cm). It is equipped with manual steering and differential mechanical expanding shoe brakes. The front tread is adjustable between 52 and 72 inches, matching the rear tread adjustment range. It rolls on 5.00-15 front tires and 10-28 rear tires.
Conclusion
The David Brown 850 serves as a reliable utility tractor for small to medium-scale agricultural operations. Its simple mechanical design, featuring manual steering and a robust gasoline engine, makes it a functional choice for farmers and collectors seeking a period-accurate, versatile utility machine.
David Brown 850 Manuals & Documentation
Download the manuals and documentation available for the David Brown 850: repair and workshop manuals, operator's handbooks, spare-parts catalogs and technical leaflets — free PDF files.
Archive documentation provided for reference, hosted by Tractor-Info.
Production Information of David Brown, 850
- Utility tractor
- Built in Meltham Mills, Huddersfield, England
| Manufacturer | David Brown |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of David Brown, 850
| Wheelbase | 75.25 inches [191 cm] |
|---|---|
| Rear tread | 52/56/60/64/68/72 inches [132/142/152/162/172/182 cm] |
| Front tread | 52/56/60/64/68/72 inches [132/142/152/162/172/182 cm] |
| Length | 113.5 inches [288 cm] |
| Height (hood) | 51.75 inches [131 cm] |
| Ag front | 5.00-15 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 10-28 |
Engine Specifications of David Brown, 850
- David Brown
- Liquid-cooled
- Gasoline
- 4-cylinder
| Coolant capacity | 14.4 qts [13.6 L] |
|---|---|
| Compression | 6.25:1 |
| Rated RPM | 2000 |
| Rated RPM | 2000 |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Displacement | 154 ci [2.5 L] |
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.50x4.00 inches [89 x 102 mm] |
| Oil capacity | 10.1 qts [9.6 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Idle RPM | 700-2000 |
Transmission Information of David Brown, 850
Transmission variants 1
- Three gears (1-3) plus reverse (R) in two ranges (low and high).
| Type | Unsynchronized gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
Mechanical Specs of David Brown, 850
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Differential mechanical expanding shoe brakes
- Manual steering
| Final drives | Spur gear |
|---|
Power Information of David Brown, 850
| Rear PTO | Transmission |
|---|---|
| Engine RPM | 540@1800 |
| Rear PTO Type | 540/1000 (1.375) |
| Rear PTO Type(optional) | Live |
| Rear PTO Type(optional) | 540@1100 |
| Clutch | Dry disc |
Three-Point Hitch of David Brown, 850
| Rear Type | I |
|---|
Where it sits
With 35 HP, the David Brown 850 sits between Cropmaster Diesel (34 HP) and 770 (36 HP) in David Brown's range. Its power puts it in the 24th percentile of 1960s models in our database (709 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the David Brown 850 have?
The David Brown 850 delivers 35 HP.
What years was the David Brown 850 produced?
The David Brown 850 was produced in 1960-1965.
What engine does the David Brown 850 have?
The David Brown 850 is powered by a Gasoline, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the David Brown 850 use?
The David Brown 850 uses a Unsynchronized gear transmission.
Is the David Brown 850 4WD?
The David Brown 850 is available in 2WD.