David Brown VAK1A
Series: Other models
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The VAK1A is a tractor manufactured by David Brown. It belongs to the tractor group and is used as a compact field machine. The model is equipped with a four‑stroke engine with four cylinders and a displacement of 2 523 cm³.
It delivers a rated power of 35.5 hp (26.1 kW) at a rated speed of 1 800 rpm, providing sufficient pulling capacity for smaller implements. The dry weight of 1 575 kg results in moderate ground pressure, reducing sinkage on soft soils. The transmission offers four forward gears and one reverse gear, allowing a top speed of 30 km/h and fine speed steps for precise field work. A fuel tank of 45.5 l enables long operation periods without frequent refuelling. Overall dimensions of 2 750 mm length, 1 110 mm width and 1 620 mm height facilitate maneuvering in tight rows.
The VAK1A is suited for typical tasks of the smaller tractor class, such as pulling light attachments, transporting harvested material over short distances and performing field operations where maneuverability and moderate power are essential.
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
| Power | 35.5 hp (26.1 kW)correct |
|---|---|
| Rated speed | 1,800 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 4correct |
| Displacement | 2,523 cm³correct |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 2,750 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,110 mmcorrect |
| Height | 1,620 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 1,575 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Gearbox | 4 V/1 Rcorrect |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 4correct |
| Reverse gears | 1correct |
| Top speed | 30 km/hcorrect |
Working data
| Fuel tank capacity | 45.5 lcorrect |
|---|
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 16.6 kW/t (26 kW / 1.6 t)
Power class: Compact (< 40 hp)
Stronger than 22% 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 VAK1A have?
The David Brown VAK1A delivers 35.5 hp.
How much does the David Brown VAK1A weigh?
The unladen weight is 1,575 kg.
What engine does the David Brown VAK1A have?
4 cylinders, 2,523 cm³ displacement.
How fast does the David Brown VAK1A go?
Top speed is 30 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the David Brown VAK1A?
2,750 mm × 1,110 mm × 1,620 mm.
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.
- 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 14 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.
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Other models in this series
Sources: Wikipedia (retrieved August 2026) · Wikibooks Traktorenlexikon (CC BY-SA 4.0) (retrieved September 2026) · How we check the data
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