David Brown 4600 SELECTMATIC
Built: 1968–1971 · Series: SELECTMATIC-Baureihe
More machines from model year 1968
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 Selectmatic – British tractors from Meltham, 1965 to 1972: diesel and petrol engines, 31 to 49 kW, 990 to 4600 Selectmatic models
The David Brown Selectmatic is a tractor range that David Brown built between 1965 and 1972 at its English plant in Meltham, Yorkshire. The Selectmatic name refers to the hydraulic control of the lift; the register covers the 990, 1200, 3800 and 4600 Selectmatic models with three- and four-cylinder engines, offered in diesel or petrol form.
Read on 3 more paragraphs
The register holds 4 versions rated at 31.3 to 49.3 kW, with engines of 2,399 to 3,595 cm³ and three to four cylinders. Weights range from 1,520 to 2,825 kg, lengths from 2,946 to 3,386 mm, widths from 1,626 to 2,320 mm and heights from 1,308 to 1,711 mm. Torque falls between 156 and 231 Nm at 2,200 to 2,300 rpm.
In the 1960s and early 1970s, the Selectmatic range ranked among the established British tractors alongside Ford, Massey Ferguson and Nuffield, covering a broad range of uses from about 40 to 70 hp – from smaller arable farms to medium-sized operations. Offering both diesel and petrol engines was typical for this power class at the time.
When buying one of these older tractors used, check engine condition and compression, clutch and gearbox, and rust on the panels, mudguards and chassis. The hydraulic Selectmatic lift control and the electrics should be checked for function; spare parts for David Brown tractors mostly come through dealers specialising in British classics.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: David Brown SELECTMATIC-Baureihe
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | petrolcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 50.7 hp (37.3 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 2,200 rpmcorrect |
| Torque | 190 Nmcorrect |
| Speed at max. torque | 1,400 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 3correct |
| Displacement | 2,699 cm³correct |
| Bore | 100.1 mmcorrect |
| Compression ratio | 7.5correct |
| Cooling | water-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 3,086 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,626 mmcorrect |
| Height | 1,372 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 2,026 mmcorrect |
| Ground clearance | 502 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 1,810 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 6 V/2 R and 12 V/4 Rcorrect |
| Front tyres | 6.00-16 ASFcorrect |
| Rear tyres | 14.9-28 AScorrect |
| Top speed | 25 km/hcorrect |
Origin and approval
| Construction | semi-frame constructioncorrect |
|---|---|
| Units built | 582correct |
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 20.6 kW/t (37 kW / 1.8 t)
Power class: Universal (40–100 hp)
Stronger than 35% 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 4600 SELECTMATIC have?
The David Brown 4600 SELECTMATIC delivers 50.7 hp.
How much does the David Brown 4600 SELECTMATIC weigh?
The unladen weight is 1,810 kg.
What engine does the David Brown 4600 SELECTMATIC have?
3 cylinders, 2,699 cm³ displacement, Benzin.
How fast does the David Brown 4600 SELECTMATIC go?
Top speed is 25 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the David Brown 4600 SELECTMATIC?
3,086 mm × 1,626 mm × 1,372 mm.
When was the David Brown 4600 SELECTMATIC built?
Production years: 1968–1971.
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.
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 24 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.
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
Sources: [1]
Tractor in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.