Introduction
David Brown 500 Utility Tractor
The David Brown 500 is a utility tractor produced between 1961 and 1963 at the Meltham Mills facility in Huddersfield, England. Designed for general agricultural tasks, this two-wheel-drive model was distributed by Oliver and represents a period of compact, versatile machine engineering.
Engine and Cooling
The tractor is powered by a 154 cubic inch (2.5 L) 4-cylinder gasoline engine. It utilizes a liquid-cooling system to maintain thermal stability during operation. The engine features a bore/stroke ratio of 3.50x4.00 inches and operates at a rated speed of 2000 RPM, with a compression ratio of 6.25:1.
Transmission and Power Take-Off
The drivetrain consists of a gear-type transmission providing 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds. Power delivery to implements is managed via a live rear PTO, which operates at a standard 540 RPM. The system incorporates a two-stage clutch, allowing the operator to stop the tractor's movement without interrupting the rotation of the PTO-driven equipment.
Chassis and Control
Built with a two-wheel-drive configuration, the David Brown 500 features manual steering and mechanical differential locks to assist in traction. Braking is handled by differential mechanical expanding shoe brakes. The operator sits at an open station, designed for visibility and ease of access to controls.
Dimensions and Hydraulics
The tractor has a wheelbase of 75.25 inches (191 cm) and an overall length of 113.6 inches (288 cm). It offers an adjustable rear and front tread width ranging from 52 to 76 inches, allowing for adaptation to different row crops. The rear hitch is Category I, suitable for a variety of standard implements.
Conclusion
With 35 horsepower and a focus on utility, the David Brown 500 served as a reliable, compact machine for small to medium-scale farming operations. Its mechanical simplicity and standard PTO system made it a practical tool for various daily field tasks during its production era.
Production Information of Oliver, 500
- Built in Meltham Mills, Huddersfield, England
- Original price was $2,670 in 1963
- Utility tractor
| Distributor | Oliver |
|---|---|
| Total built | 1,648 |
| Manufacturer | David Brown |
Dimension and Tires Information of Oliver, 500
| Rear tread | 52 to 76 inches [132 to 193 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 75.25 inches [191 cm] |
| Clearance (front axle) | 18.5 inches [46 cm] |
| Height (hood) | 51.75 inches [131 cm] |
| Length | 113.6 inches [288 cm] |
| Front tread | 52 to 76 inches [132 to 193 cm] |
| Width | 62.75 inches [159 cm] |
| Ag front | 5.50-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag rear | 12.4/11-28 |
| Ag rear | 13.6/12-28 |
Engine Specifications of Oliver, 500
- David Brown
- Liquid-cooled
- 4-cylinder
- Gasoline
| Compression | 6.25:1 |
|---|---|
| Idle RPM | 700-2000 |
| Displacement | 154 ci [2.5 L] |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.50x4.00 inches [89 x 102 mm] |
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
| Rated RPM | 2000 |
| Rated RPM | 2000 |
| Coolant capacity | 12 qts [11.4 L] |
| Oil capacity | 4.5 qts [4.3 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
Transmission Information of Oliver, 500
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
| Oil capacity | 17 qts [16.1 L] |
Mechanical Specs of Oliver, 500
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Differential mechanical expanding shoe brakes
| Differential lock | Mechanical rear |
|---|---|
| Steering | Manual |
Power Information of Oliver, 500
| Rear PTO | Live |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540 |
Two-stage clutch
Three-Point Hitch of Oliver, 500
| Rear Type | I |
|---|
Electrical System of Oliver, 500
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Ground(optional) | 12 (gas) |
| Battery volts | 6 (diesel) |
| Batteries | 2 (diesel) |
| Batteries(optional) | 1 (gas) |
Where it sits
With 35 HP, the Oliver 500 sits between 70 (33 HP) and Super 55 (36 HP) in Oliver'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 Oliver 500 have?
The Oliver 500 delivers 35 HP.
What years was the Oliver 500 produced?
The Oliver 500 was produced in 1961-1963.
What engine does the Oliver 500 have?
The Oliver 500 is powered by a Gasoline, 4-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Oliver 500 use?
The Oliver 500 uses a Gear transmission.
Is the Oliver 500 4WD?
The Oliver 500 is available in 2WD.