david brown selectmatic 880

[bigl22]

any of you folks ever seen/owned/used a david brown tractor? -- it is english/irish about ths same size as a ford 8 or 9n or a ferguson t35 -- a feloow on my route has one for sale-- he wants 3200$ for it --

[Mickey]

Back in the late 70's early 80's they were a common sight around here but don't see them any longer. Never had one my self but a friend had one. His other tractor was a MF 165 and he liked his Dave Brown. The MF was a gas model and the DB a diesel. Think the DB was a little larger than you indicate and on the order of a 50-60 HP tractor.

Have no idea what they are worth today.

[parts man]

The 880s were a pretty good tractor, english built but still a nice enough tractor. Some parts are availlable through CASE-IH, but they can be tricky enough to get parts for. The price is probly in the range as long as it's in decent shape, with fair or better tires.

[gamekeeper6]

I use an 880 selectamatic for all sorts round my small holding. The 2 speed PTO is useful. Everything works well and it's a good reliable tool. Only down side I noticed is when I have my grass cutter on the back the hydraulics gradually vibrate the raise lower lever to the up position slowly lifting the mower. I have a changover valve on mine to divert the oil from the back actor to the loader arms, I just flick that over and it stops the mower lifting. It has a crude power stearing mechanism thats not brilliant but it,s alot better than not having it. On the parts front I am in England and parts are OK to get.

[loopyhomefabricator]

I've always regarded David Browns as being a bit better than their contemporaries. They seem to wear and stand up to working life better than most. The 880 will almost certainly have the 3 cylinder diesel engine (same as my 780), which is at least as good as a Perkins and streets ahead of a Ford (2000/3000/4000 series that is). The Selectamatic hydraulic system is generally trouble free so long as it's been given clean oil and hasn't been abused.
Elmer Landman (http://www.davidbrowntractortips.com/) has the reputation of being very good for oddball DB parts in the US & Canada. Common stuff is available via Case dealers (and search for part numbers online here (http://www.caseih.com/parts/parts.aspx?&navid=123&RL=ENNA&typeid=157).).

Gamekeeper6, there is usually a little friction disc under the lever pivot to stop that happening. It may just want carefully tightening up to take up the slack, or a new disc. As far as I know they are available from the DB owners club (http://www.dbtc.co.uk/) shop (you don't need to be a member to buy).

Cheers, Loopy.

[GADeere]

my uncle has a 880 under a barn that probably hasn't been started up in 10 yrs. don't know what's wrong with it, I'll be sure and ask next time I see him. as I recall it was a bit light in the front end when trying to lift a round bale with rear forks with the tractor pointed up hill, it felt like the tires came 4 ft off the ground:Stop: