David Brown 885 5.00 star(s) (6)

Best No-Name Tractor Ever Built
Model Year: 1973

I've had my tractor for many years and the only problem I ever had is that water pumps seem to die every few years. Lack of use could be factor. A repair kit is available for around $40 and I can repair in a couple of hours. Best tractor I ever owned. I have had several and grew up on a farm. Most fuel eff. tractor I ever used. It is about 47 HP but will bush hog all day on 5 gallons of diesel. It has power steering, differential lock, two speed PTO, and remote hydraulic connections. It starts and runs every time, does not smoke at all. First diesel I ever had that did not smoke under a load. I love my Case David Brown, but wish it was a 4x4. I paid $2500 for this tractor and a new Woods bush hog about 20 years ago. I got a bargain of a life time. Still a great tractor and will do anything a brand new 2x2 will do and better fuel economy than anything I know about. Parts and dealers are becoming scarce, but I can still order on line.

Pros: Great tractor and great features for age; great fuel economy.
Cons: Parts and dealers are becoming more scarce.

David Brown with Kelly Loader
Model Year: 1980

This was my first tractor and was a great "starter" tractor. It's simplicity was perfect for a new tractor owner and once a neighbor showed me where the fuel switch was, I was off and running. It is big enough to do most chores around the farm and small enough to maneuver in the trees, but I wish that it was a 50 or 55 horsepower, instead of the 42. I also wish that the hydraulic pump had a bigger output, but overall I can't complain. It is simple enough for me to do routine maintenance and some repairs myself, but I had to take it to a tractor mechanic for a clutch replacement. The hour meter was stopped at 4000 hours when I purchased the tractor, and I estimate that I put 1200-1500 hours on the tractor. Parts availability can be a concern here in South Central, Texas, as most parts have to be ordered by the dealer or I just get them myself online. If I could have 1 wish for this tractor, it would be that I could lift a round bale with the FEL. My next tractor will be in the 60-70 HP range so I can unload round bales from a semi.

Pros: Simple, easy to use, fuel effieicent.
Cons: Underpowered for size, hydraulic pump could be higher, parts availability.

David Brown 885
Model Year: 1975

It's a decent tractor, the hydraulics are maybe a bit weird. I use it to bush hog, make square bales, plow snow and general farm duties. I've converted it to a Chevy alternator. Had to fix the hydraulics numerous times. Done wheel bearings and steering bushings and redone a lot of the wiring.

Pros: Well made and usually very dependable.
Cons: Complicated hydraulic system, hard to find parts.

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Doesn't Work Yet
Model Year: 1977

Will write up when working.

Pros: Cheap to buy.
Cons: Doesn't yet work.

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David Brown 885 Diesel
Model Year: 1978

My David Brown 885 is a 42 Hp diesel and it came with a Kelly 600 front end loader. It was my first tractor and originally purchased it to shred pastures and move large round bales. Being from the 1970's it is a pretty basic no frills tractor, which is good since I am not a mechanic. Over the 10 years I have owned it, it has been a reliable workhorse for our horse farm and has spent very little time down. It has been very fuel efficient and easy to use. Other than replacing original the clutch, it has been a pretty reliable tractor. My only 2 complaints with the 885 is that for its weight it is a little under-powered. For its size and mass it should be a 50 horse tractor. The owner complaint is that I cannot lift a round bale with the front end loader. It just does not have enough lift. I admit that I have not tested the hydraulic pump to see if it is working 100%. Overall the DB 885V has been a good first tractor, but my next tractor will be large/powerful enough to move round bale on the loader.

Pros: Simple to use, fuel effiecient.
Cons: Not common brand to find parts easily, front end loader weak.

She's Still Got It After 40yrs
Model Year: 1974

Now 40 years old, this tractor has been well tested. It is no longer our main workhorse but it gets the occasional bit of heavy work. As David Brown's go, this is an extremely fuel efficient tractor, and when looked after correctly, receiving an annual service, it is as reliable as ever. The 3 cylinder 47.5hp engine is well capable of pulling a 15ft trailer of wet and heavy dung. It has the standard DB selectamatic system.

Pros: Good value for money after 40 yrs of service, very efficient.
Cons: It is not equipped with power steering, cab rubber seals are rotted and cause alot of rattling

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