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David Brown 880 SELECTAMATIC

Built: 1965–1971 · Series: SELECTAMATIC-Baureihe

← Predecessor: 880 IMPLEMATIC · Successor: 885 →

More machines from model year 1965

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10320797

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The SELECTAMATIC series from David Brown includes the 880 SELECTAMATIC. Production: 1965–1971. The engine delivers 46.6 hp (34.3 kW), has 3 cylinders, with a displacement of 2,694 cm³. The engine comes from David Brown. Torque is 163 Nm. Rated speed is 2,200 rpm. The machine is 3,086 mm long, 1,750 mm wide and 1,490 mm high. The unladen weight is 1,810 kg. The wheelbase measures 2,026 mm. Ground clearance is 502 mm. Top speed is 25 km/h. The tank holds 52.3 litres. Transmission: 6 V/2 R and 12 V/4 R. The engine is water-cooled. Tyres: front 6.00-16 ASF, rear 11-32 AS. The model was built in Meltham, W. Yorkshire, UK. The fuel is diesel. PTO output is 46 hp. The bore measures 100.1 mm. The stroke is 114.3 mm. The compression ratio is 17:1. Maximum torque is reached at 1,400 rpm. Construction: semi-frame construction. The linkage is category I. Its predecessor was the David Brown 880 Implematic. It was succeeded by the David Brown 885. Around 33.378 units were built. Rated output across the David Brown range ranges from 12.2 to 108 hp; the 880 SELECTAMATIC 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 25 to 108 hp; here the 880 SELECTAMATIC sits in the lower part of that range with 46 hp. 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.

Read on 3 more paragraphs

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

Engine make	David Browncorrect
Fuel	dieselcorrect
Power	46.6 hp (34.3 kW)correct
Rated speed	2,200 rpmcorrect
Torque	163 Nmcorrect
Speed at max. torque	1,400 rpmcorrect
Cylinders	3correct
Displacement	2,694 cm³correct
Bore	100.1 mmcorrect
Bore	100 mmcorrect
Stroke	114.3 mmcorrect
Stroke	114 mmcorrect
Compression ratio	17correct
Naturally aspirated	naturally aspiratedcorrect
Cooling	water-cooledcorrect

Dimensions and weights

Length	3,086 mmcorrect
Length	10' 2 (3.1 m)correct
Width	1,750 mmcorrect
Width	5' 82 (1.75 m)correct
Height	1,490 mmcorrect
Height	7' 8" (2.35 m) (with cab)correct
Wheelbase	2,026 mm (6' 8" (2.05 m))correct
Ground clearance	502 mmcorrect
Unladen weight	1,810 kg (1723 kg (3800 lbs))correct

Drivetrain and chassis

Drive	rear-wheel drivecorrect
Gearbox	6 V/2 R and 12 V/4 Rcorrect
Gearbox make	David Browncorrect
Forward gears	6 or 12correct
Reverse gears	2 or 4correct
Clutch	single or twincorrect
Front tyres	6.00-16 ASFcorrect
Rear tyres	11-32 AScorrect
Top speed	25 km/hcorrect

Working data

Fuel tank capacity	52.3 l (11.5 gal (UK) (52 litre))correct

Origin and approval

Plant	Meltham, W. Yorkshire, UKcorrect
Construction	semi-frame constructioncorrect
Units built	33,378correct
Cab	Safety (option)correct

Other data

Cab make	David Browncorrect
Linkage category	Cat Icorrect
PTO output	46 hpcorrect
Predecessor	David Brown 880 Implematiccorrect
Successor	David Brown 885correct

Where this model stands

Power-to-weight ratio: 19 kW/t (34 kW / 1.8 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 880 SELECTAMATIC have?

The David Brown 880 SELECTAMATIC delivers 46.6 hp.

How much does the David Brown 880 SELECTAMATIC weigh?

The unladen weight is 1,810 kg.

What engine does the David Brown 880 SELECTAMATIC have?

3 cylinders, 2,694 cm³ displacement, Diesel.

How fast does the David Brown 880 SELECTAMATIC go?

Top speed is 25 km/h.

What is the PTO output of the David Brown 880 SELECTAMATIC?

PTO output is 46 hp.

What are the dimensions of the David Brown 880 SELECTAMATIC?

3,086 mm × 1,750 mm × 1,490 mm.

When was the David Brown 880 SELECTAMATIC built?

Production years: 1965–1971.

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 51 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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