David Brown 1212
Built: 1971–1976 · Series: Other models
More machines from model year 1971
Not the right version? The data comes from vehicle registers holding many near-identical versions side by side. Photograph the data plate — we read make and type from it. Open the scanner e-mail address required
David Brown – other models: from the VAK1 to the Selectamatic ranges from Meltham, 10.6 to 69.9 kW, two- to six-cylinder engines, diesel, TVO paraffin and petrol
This collective page gathers David Brown tractors outside the named series. From 1936 the company built the Ferguson-Brown Type A jointly with Harry Ferguson, then went it alone from 1939 at Meltham near Huddersfield in England. In 1965 it introduced the Selectamatic range (880, 990, 995) with a new control concept for hydraulics and the power take-off. In 1972 the American group Tenneco took over the marque through Case, and by the 1980s David Brown had been fully absorbed into Case. Alongside diesel, many British models also offered paraffin carburettor engines on the TVO (Tractor Vaporising Oil) principle, or plain petrol.
Read on 3 more paragraphs
The register lists 82 versions from 10.6 to 69.9 kW with two- to six-cylinder engines of 1,262 to 5,392 cm³. Unladen weights range from 950 to 3,356 kg, lengths from 2,230 to 4,250 mm, widths from 1,110 to 2,350 mm, and torque from 156 to 329 Nm.
David Brown ranked among the major British tractor makers alongside Ferguson, Fordson and International Harvester, supplying mainly the domestic and Commonwealth markets. The Selectamatic technology of the 1960s was regarded as advanced and influenced later Case ranges.
When buying older paraffin and TVO models, check the carburettor and pre-heating system; on Selectamatic models, check the hydraulic spool valves and PTO clutch. Rust on wings and gearbox housings is common on post-war British tractors, and spares today come mainly through specialists in classic British farm machinery and the Case IH network.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: David Brown (weitere Modelle)
Technical data
Engine
| Engine make | David Browncorrect |
|---|---|
| Fuel | dieselcorrect |
| Power | 72 hp (53 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 2,300 rpmcorrect |
| Torque | 247 Nmcorrect |
| Speed at max. torque | 1,400 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 4correct |
| Displacement | 3,627 cm³correct |
| Bore | 100.5 mmcorrect |
| Stroke | 114.3 mmcorrect |
| Compression ratio | 17correct |
| Injection pressure | 178 barcorrect |
| Naturally aspirated | naturally aspiratedcorrect |
| Cooling | water-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 3,386 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,765 mmcorrect |
| Height | 2,286 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 2,249 mmcorrect |
| Ground clearance | 540 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 2,720 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 12 V/4 Rcorrect |
| Gearbox make | David Browncorrect |
| Forward gears | 6 or 12 (low box)correct |
| Reverse gears | 2 or 4correct |
| Front tyres | 7.50-16 ASFcorrect |
| Rear tyres | 13.6-38 AScorrect |
| Top speed | 25 km/hcorrect |
Working data
| Lifting capacity | 1,179 kgcorrect |
|---|---|
| Lifting capacity | 2,600 lbcorrect |
Origin and approval
| Plant | Meltham, West Yorkshirecorrect |
|---|---|
| Construction | semi-frame constructioncorrect |
| Units built | 5,282correct |
| Cab | Sta-dry (option)correct |
Other data
| Cab make | David Browncorrect |
|---|---|
| Linkage category | Cat IIcorrect |
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 19.5 kW/t (53 kW / 2.7 t)
Power class: Universal (40–100 hp)
Stronger than 50% of the tractors in the register — out of 15,663 models with a stated power figure.
Calculated from the documented figures above — not a rating.
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the David Brown 1212 have?
The David Brown 1212 delivers 72 hp.
How much does the David Brown 1212 weigh?
The unladen weight is 2,720 kg.
What engine does the David Brown 1212 have?
4 cylinders, 3,627 cm³ displacement, Diesel.
How fast does the David Brown 1212 go?
Top speed is 25 km/h.
How much does the rear linkage of the David Brown 1212 lift?
The rear linkage lifts 1,179 kg.
What are the dimensions of the David Brown 1212?
3,386 mm × 1,765 mm × 2,286 mm.
When was the David Brown 1212 built?
Production years: 1971–1976.
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Check the weights in the papers against the figures here — attachments change them.
- Check front and rear tyre sizes: mismatched pairs strain the drivetrain.
- Shift the gearbox cold and warm — jumps only show up at temperature.
- Load the hydraulics and watch for sag.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
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This page carries 40 individual figures for this model. They come from 3 recorded sources; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
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