David Brown 30D
Built: 1955-1955 · Series: Other models
Built in 1955, the David Brown 30D is a tractor from David Brown. Power comes from a four-cylinder engine; from 2.7 litres it draws 25 kW.
Gearbox: manual; drive type: 2-WD. Overall length is 2.96 m. Unladen weight is 1,730 kg.
It runs on diesel; the engine is water-cooled. As standard, it runs on 6.0 x 19 tyres at the front and 13.4 x 28 11.25 x 28 at the rear. The predecessor was the David Brown VAK1, the successor the David Brown 900. Within the range, rated power spans from 10.6 to 66.9 kW; with 25 kW, the 30D sits in the lower third. Directly alongside are the 770 Selectamatic with 23.9 kW below and the CROPMASTER with 26 kW above.
Technical data
Engine
| Engine make | David Browncorrect |
|---|---|
| Fuel | dieselcorrect |
| Power | 34 hp (25 kW)correct |
| Cylinders | 4correct |
| Displacement | 2,706 cm³ (2.71 ci)correct |
| Bore | 3 5/8 inchescorrect |
| Stroke | 4 inches (114 mm)correct |
| Naturally aspirated | naturally aspiratedcorrect |
| Cooling | water-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 2,960 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Length | 2,960 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 1,900 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 1,730 kg (1,770 lbs)correct |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | manual gearboxcorrect |
| Gearbox make | David Browncorrect |
| Gears | 6correct |
| Forward gears | 6correct |
| Reverse gears | 2correct |
| Clutch | Dry plate Borg & Beckcorrect |
| Front tyres | 6.0 x 19correct |
| Rear tyres | 13.4 x 28 11.25 x 28correct |
Working data
| Lifting capacity | 590 kgcorrect |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity | 48 litrecorrect |
| Linkage category | Cat Icorrect |
Origin and approval
| Plant | Meltham Mills, West Yorkshire, UKcorrect |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | David Brown VAK1correct |
| Successor | David Brown 900correct |
| List price when new | ?correct |
Other data
| Ground clearance | 420 mmcorrect |
|---|
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 14.5 kW/t (25 kW / 1.7 t)
Power class: Compact (< 40 hp)
Stronger than 21% of the tractors in the register — out of 15,240 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 30D have?
The David Brown 30D delivers 34 hp.
How much does the David Brown 30D weigh?
The unladen weight is 1,730 kg.
What engine does the David Brown 30D have?
4 cylinders, 2,706 cm³ displacement, Diesel.
When was the David Brown 30D built?
Production years: 1955.
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.
We do not sell machines. We ask the dealers who carry this model and come back with price and lead time.
Request a quote →
We ask the suppliers and come back with price and lead time.
Request spare parts →
This page carries 36 individual figures for this model. They come from 2 recorded sources; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
The technical data on this page comes from official vehicle registration records (RDW/Traficom), not from the manufacturer.
Missing a figure you were looking for? Report it →
Know this machine better? Have a photo, a manual, or know that a figure is wrong? Add it to the register →
Other models in this series
Tractor in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.