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David Brown 780 SELECTAMARIC

Built: 1967–1971 · Series: SELECTAMATIC-Baureihe

More machines from model year 1967

Source: https://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/000/4/0/407-david-

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The David Brown 780 SELECTAMARIC is a model in the SELECTAMATIC series. Production: 1967–1971. The engine delivers 46.6 hp (34.3 kW), has 3 cylinders, with a displacement of 2,696 cm³. Torque is 149 Nm. Rated speed is 2,200 rpm. The machine is 3,230 mm long, 1,650 mm wide and 1,410 mm high. The unladen weight is 1,683 kg. The wheelbase measures 1,926 mm. Ground clearance is 324 mm. Top speed is 22 km/h. Transmission: 6 V/2 R or 12 V/4 R. The engine is water-cooled. Tyres: front 6.00-16 ASF, rear 11-28 AS. The fuel is diesel. The bore measures 100.1 mm. The stroke is 114.3 mm. The compression ratio is 17:1. Maximum torque is reached at 1,500 rpm. Construction: frame construction. Around 11.550 units were built. Rated output across the David Brown range ranges from 12.2 to 108 hp; the 780 SELECTAMARIC sits in the lower part of that range with 46.6 hp. Its immediate neighbours are the 950 (IMPLEMATIC) below it with 43.1 hp and the 1190 above it with 48 hp. Rated output across the David Brown range ranges from 9 to 79.4 kW; here the 780 SELECTAMARIC sits in the lower part of that range with 34.3 kW. 147 David Brown models across 19 series are on record.

David Brown Selectamatic range – 780 and 880: the 1965 hydraulic control system from Meltham, three-cylinder engines at 34.3 kW/46 hp, 2,694 to 2,696 cc and 1,683 to 1,810 kg unladen weight

David Brown built its tractors in Meltham, West Yorkshire, and launched the Selectamatic generation in 1965. Selectamatic was not a single model but the redesigned control panel that for the first time brought hydraulics, power take-off and electrics together under one centralised layout, replacing the separate levers of earlier ranges. The 780 and 880 listed here sit in the lower and middle power bracket of that generation and share David Brown's own three-cylinder diesel engine.

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The register lists 2 variants at 34.3 kW, or 46 hp, from three-cylinder engines of 2,694 to 2,696 cc displacement at a rated speed of 2,200 rpm. Torque runs from 149 to 163 Nm, with PTO output at 46 hp. Unladen weights range from 1,683 to 1,810 kg, dimensions from 3,086 to 3,230 mm in length, 1,650 to 1,750 mm in width and 1,410 to 1,490 mm in height.

The Selectamatic generation placed David Brown alongside Ford, Massey Ferguson and Nuffield in the mid-1960s British market, and its centralised controls were considered user-friendly for the period. The compact dimensions and moderate weight made the 780 and 880 versatile yard tractors for smaller and medium-sized farms.

When buying a used example, check the Selectamatic panel itself: worn contacts and leaking control valves are the most common faults. The three-cylinder diesel is regarded as robust but needs sound injection pumps and tight head gaskets. Gearbox and clutch should be checked for synchromesh wear, and the bodywork for rust around the wings and radiator grille. Parts are generally sourced through specialist dealers for British vintage tractors.

Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: David Brown Selectamatic-Baureihe

Technical data

Engine

Fuel	dieselcorrect
Power	46.6 hp (34.3 kW)correct
Rated speed	2,200 rpmcorrect
Torque	149 Nmcorrect
Speed at max. torque	1,500 rpmcorrect
Cylinders	3correct
Displacement	2,696 cm³correct
Bore	100.1 mmcorrect
Stroke	114.3 mmcorrect
Compression ratio	17correct
Cooling	water-cooledcorrect

Dimensions and weights

Length	3,230 mmcorrect
Width	1,650 mmcorrect
Height	1,410 mmcorrect
Wheelbase	1,926 mmcorrect
Ground clearance	324 mmcorrect
Unladen weight	1,683 kgcorrect

Drivetrain and chassis

Drive	rear-wheel drivecorrect
Gearbox	6 V/2 R or 12 V/4 Rcorrect
Front tyres	6.00-16 ASFcorrect
Rear tyres	11-28 AScorrect
Top speed	22 km/hcorrect

Origin and approval

Construction	frame constructioncorrect
Units built	11,550correct

Where this model stands

Power-to-weight ratio: 20.4 kW/t (34 kW / 1.7 t)

Power class: Universal (40–100 hp)

Stronger than 31% 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 780 SELECTAMARIC have?

The David Brown 780 SELECTAMARIC delivers 46.6 hp.

How much does the David Brown 780 SELECTAMARIC weigh?

The unladen weight is 1,683 kg.

What engine does the David Brown 780 SELECTAMARIC have?

3 cylinders, 2,696 cm³ displacement, Diesel.

How fast does the David Brown 780 SELECTAMARIC go?

Top speed is 22 km/h.

What are the dimensions of the David Brown 780 SELECTAMARIC?

3,230 mm × 1,650 mm × 1,410 mm.

When was the David Brown 780 SELECTAMARIC built?

Production years: 1967–1971.

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 25 individual figures for this model. They come from 1 recorded source; 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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