The David Brown 880 is a robust tractor, a product of David Brown Tractors Ltd., renowned for its durable construction and engineering quality. Produced roughly between 1961 and 1966, this mid-20th-century agricultural machine was designed for versatility, capable of handling a wide array of farm tasks from plowing to transport. Featuring a typically 4-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement around 2.5 to 3.1 liters and producing approximately 45-60 PTO horsepower, the 880 embodies the reliable performance expected from its era, competing with other prominent agricultural machinery of the time. Its robust build and functional design made it a valued asset in agricultural operations. This manual serves as a comprehensive guide for the operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of the David Brown 880 tractor. It covers essential areas including routine maintenance procedures, engine operation specifics, transmission functionality, hydraulic system use, cooling and fuel system care, and the electrical system. The manual also details controls and instruments, daily checks, lubrication schedules, filter replacement guidance, storage procedures, and vital safety precautions. While focused on owner and operator needs, providing insights into common issues and their solutions, it is not a full workshop manual detailing extensive internal component repair. 🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: David Brown Model: 880 Type: Tractor 👋 Introduction Market Position Category: Agricultural Tractors Era: Mid-20th Century utility tractor Competitive Analysis Competitors: Fordson Major, Massey Ferguson FE35/35X, International Harvester B-450, John Deere 3120 Key Features Versatility: Designed for a wide range of agricultural tasks including plowing, cultivating, and transport. Robust Construction: Known for its durable build quality typical of David Brown tractors. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Usage: Operation and use of the David Brown 880 tractor Maintenance: Routine maintenance procedures and schedules Engine Operation: Specifics related to engine function and care All Engine Types: Covers all engine variants for the specified model years Page Count Estimated Pages: Varies by specific edition, typically 100-200 pages for a comprehensive owner's manual. Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual / Operator's Manual / User's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Digital Delivery: Instant download upon payment Compatibility Devices: PC, MAC, Smartphone, Tablet, Linux 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Operation, basic troubleshooting, fluid checks, lubrication Transmission: Operation, shifting procedures, basic maintenance checks Hydraulic System: Operation of the linkage, PTO, and auxiliary hydraulics (if equipped) Cooling System: Antifreeze checks, radiator care Fuel System: Fuel tank capacity, filter maintenance (basic) Electrical System: Battery care, lighting operation, basic electrical component identification Tires And Wheels: Recommended tire pressures, wheel tightening torque Controls And Instruments: Identification and function of all dashboard gauges and controls Procedures Included Daily Checks: Pre-operation inspections and fluid level checks Lubrication: Grease points and lubrication schedule Filter Replacement: Engine oil filter, fuel filter (basic replacement guidance) Troubleshooting: Basic problem identification and common solutions Storage Procedures: Guidance for storing the tractor during off-seasons Safety Precautions: Operational safety guidelines and warnings Technical Depth Depth: Owner/Operator focused; covers routine maintenance, safe operation, and basic troubleshooting. Not a full workshop/service manual with detailed internal component repair. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Type: PDF Searchability: Typically text-searchable PDF for easy information retrieval Print Quality Quality: Digital format; print quality depends on user's printer Binding Type Type: Not applicable (Digital PDF) Paper Type Type: Not applicable (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Make: David Brown Configuration: Typically a 4-cylinder diesel engine Displacement: Ranges from approximately 2.5 to 3.1 liters (e.g., 152 cu. in. for some variants) Performance Horsepower Rated: Typically in the 45-60 PTO horsepower range, depending on engine variant and year. Fuel System Type: Direct injection diesel Fuel Type: Diesel fuel Maintenance Oil Type: Refer to manual for specific SAE viscosity grade (e.g., SAE 30 or 10W-30), API classification C-series. Oil Capacity: Approximately 5-6 U.S. quarts (4.7-5.7 liters) with filter change. Exact specification in manual. Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water. 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: David Brown In-Line Transmission (GBS/DB gearbox) Gear Selection: Typically 8 forward speeds and 4 reverse speeds (or variations thereof). Features Clutch: Dual-stage clutch (ground speed clutch and independent PTO clutch). Maintenance Oil Type: Gear oil, API GL-4 specification, SAE 90 or 140 viscosity grade depending on temperature. Check manual for exact specification. Oil Capacity: Refer to manual for specific capacity. Typically around 10-12 U.S. quarts (9.5-11.4 liters). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 130-140 inches (330-356 cm) without implements. Width: Approximately 65-75 inches (165-190 cm) at the rear wheels. Height: Approximately 70-80 inches (178-203 cm) to the top of the steering wheel/exhaust. Weights Operating Weight: Approximately 4,500 - 5,500 lbs (2,041 - 2,495 kg) depending on configuration. Wheelbase: Approximately 80-85 inches (203-216 cm) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Rollover Protection: ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure) was an optional extra, not standard. Manual will cover safe operation, but does not imply factory-fitted ROPS. Active Features Braking System: Mechanical disc brakes or...
The David Brown 880 is a robust tractor, a product of David Brown Tractors Ltd., renowned for its durable construction and engineering quality. Produced roughly between 1961 and 1966, this mid-20th-century agricultural machine was designed for versatility, capable of handling a wide array of farm tasks from plowing to transport. Featuring a typically 4-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement around 2.5 to 3.1 liters and producing approximately 45-60 PTO horsepower, the 880 embodies the reliable performance expected from its era, competing with other prominent agricultural machinery of the time. Its robust build and functional design made it a valued asset in agricultural operations.
This manual serves as a comprehensive guide for the operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of the David Brown 880 tractor. It covers essential areas including routine maintenance procedures, engine operation specifics, transmission functionality, hydraulic system use, cooling and fuel system care, and the electrical system. The manual also details controls and instruments, daily checks, lubrication schedules, filter replacement guidance, storage procedures, and vital safety precautions. While focused on owner and operator needs, providing insights into common issues and their solutions, it is not a full workshop manual detailing extensive internal component repair.
🏷️ Basic Information
Identification
Make:
David Brown
Model:
880
Type:
Tractor
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Category:
Agricultural Tractors
Era:
Mid-20th Century utility tractor
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Fordson Major, Massey Ferguson FE35/35X, International Harvester B-450, John Deere 3120
Key Features
Versatility:
Designed for a wide range of agricultural tasks including plowing, cultivating, and transport.
Robust Construction:
Known for its durable build quality typical of David Brown tractors.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Usage:
Operation and use of the David Brown 880 tractor
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures and schedules
Engine Operation:
Specifics related to engine function and care
All Engine Types:
Covers all engine variants for the specified model years
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Varies by specific edition, typically 100-200 pages for a comprehensive owner's manual.
Guidance for storing the tractor during off-seasons
Safety Precautions:
Operational safety guidelines and warnings
Technical Depth
Depth:
Owner/Operator focused; covers routine maintenance, safe operation, and basic troubleshooting. Not a full workshop/service manual with detailed internal component repair.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Typically text-searchable PDF for easy information retrieval
Print Quality
Quality:
Digital format; print quality depends on user's printer
Binding Type
Type:
Not applicable (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Type:
Not applicable (Digital PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Make:
David Brown
Configuration:
Typically a 4-cylinder diesel engine
Displacement:
Ranges from approximately 2.5 to 3.1 liters (e.g., 152 cu. in. for some variants)
Performance
Horsepower Rated:
Typically in the 45-60 PTO horsepower range, depending on engine variant and year.
Fuel System
Type:
Direct injection diesel
Fuel Type:
Diesel fuel
Maintenance
Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific SAE viscosity grade (e.g., SAE 30 or 10W-30), API classification C-series.
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5-6 U.S. quarts (4.7-5.7 liters) with filter change. Exact specification in manual.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
David Brown In-Line Transmission (GBS/DB gearbox)
Gear Selection:
Typically 8 forward speeds and 4 reverse speeds (or variations thereof).
Features
Clutch:
Dual-stage clutch (ground speed clutch and independent PTO clutch).
Maintenance
Oil Type:
Gear oil, API GL-4 specification, SAE 90 or 140 viscosity grade depending on temperature. Check manual for exact specification.
Oil Capacity:
Refer to manual for specific capacity. Typically around 10-12 U.S. quarts (9.5-11.4 liters).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 130-140 inches (330-356 cm) without implements.
Width:
Approximately 65-75 inches (165-190 cm) at the rear wheels.
Height:
Approximately 70-80 inches (178-203 cm) to the top of the steering wheel/exhaust.
Weights
Operating Weight:
Approximately 4,500 - 5,500 lbs (2,041 - 2,495 kg) depending on configuration.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 80-85 inches (203-216 cm)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Rollover Protection:
ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure) was an optional extra, not standard. Manual will cover safe operation, but does not imply factory-fitted ROPS.
Active Features
Braking System:
Mechanical disc brakes or drum brakes (depending on specific variant), foot-operated, often with independent control for each brake.
Passive Features
Operator Station:
Open station design. Seat belt may be an option depending on year and configuration.
Guidance
Operational Warnings:
Covers safe starting, stopping, PTO operation, hydraulic use, and attachment handling.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Features:
Not applicable. This is a pre-electronic era tractor.
Driver Assistance
Features:
Not applicable.
Connectivity
Features:
Not applicable.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 100-150 operating hours or annually. Refer to manual for precise interval.
Fuel Filter Change:
Recommended at oil change intervals or as needed if fuel issues arise.
Air Cleaner Service:
Frequent checks, especially in dusty conditions. Refer to manual for specific cleaning/replacement intervals.
Transmission Oil Change:
Typically every 600-1000 operating hours. Manual will specify exact interval.
Fluid Specifications
Hydraulic Fluid:
David Brown Hy-Trans or equivalent UTF (Universal Tractor Transmission Fluid). Refer to manual for specific approvals.
Grease:
Lithium-based grease, NLGI Grade 2. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Known Issues
Transmission Wear:
Wear in the gearbox and clutch components is common with age and heavy use.
Hydraulic Leaks:
Seals and hoses can degrade over time, leading to hydraulic fluid leaks.
Electrical Conductivity:
Older wiring and connectors can corrode, causing intermittent electrical issues.
Engine Starting:
Cold starting can be challenging without proper glow plug function or fuel system maintenance.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
David Brown Tractors Ltd., formerly of Meltham, Yorkshire, England.
Acquisition:
Became part of the Tenneco (Case IH) group in the early 1970s.
Model Evolution
Series:
Part of the '90' series (e.g., 880, 980, 1200) introduced in the late 1950s/early 1960s.
Predecessors:
Successor to earlier David Brown models like the 302, 500 series, and Cropmaster.
Production
Production Years:
Roughly 1961 to 1965/66, with variants and updates.
Variants:
Common variants include the 880 Implematic, 880 Livedrive, and specific agricultural or industrial configurations.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Type:
While specific awards for the 880 model are not widely documented, David Brown tractors of this era were well-regarded for their engineering and reliability in their class.