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David Brown 990 SELECTMATIC

Built: 1965–1979 · Series: SELECTMATIC-Baureihe

More machines from model year 1965

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The SELECTMATIC series from David Brown includes the 990 SELECTMATIC. Production: 1965–1979. The engine delivers 58 hp (44 kW), has 4 cylinders, with a displacement of 3,045 cm³. Rated speed is 2,200 rpm. The machine is 3,200 mm long, 1,702 mm wide and 1,511 mm high. The unladen weight is 2,580 kg. The wheelbase measures 2,000 mm. Ground clearance is 543 mm. Top speed is 25 km/h. Transmission: 6 V/2 R and 12 V/4 R. The engine is water-cooled. Tyres: front 6.00-19 ASF, rear 11-36 AS. The fuel is diesel. The bore measures 92.1 mm. The stroke is 114.4 mm. The compression ratio is 17:1. Construction: semi-frame construction. Around 23.285 units were built. The SELECTMATIC-Baureihe series covers 4 models. Rated output within it ranges from 42.6 to 67 hp; the 990 SELECTMATIC sits in the upper part of that range with 58 hp. Its immediate neighbours are the 4600 SELECTMATIC below it with 50.7 hp and the 1200 SELECTMATIC above it with 67 hp. Unladen weight within it ranges from 1,520 to 2,825 kg; here the 990 SELECTMATIC sits in the upper part of that range with 2,580 kg. 147 David Brown models across 19 series are on record.

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	dieselcorrect
Power	58 hp (44 kW)correct
Rated speed	2,200 rpmcorrect
Cylinders	4correct
Displacement	3,045 cm³correct
Bore	92.1 mmcorrect
Stroke	114.4 mmcorrect
Compression ratio	17correct
Cooling	water-cooledcorrect

Dimensions and weights

Length	3,200 mmcorrect
Width	1,702 mmcorrect
Height	1,511 mmcorrect
Wheelbase	2,000 mmcorrect
Ground clearance	543 mmcorrect
Unladen weight	2,580 kgcorrect

Drivetrain and chassis

Drive	rear-wheel drivecorrect
Gearbox	6 V/2 R and 12 V/4 Rcorrect
Front tyres	6.00-19 ASFcorrect
Rear tyres	11-36 AScorrect
Top speed	25 km/hcorrect

Origin and approval

Construction	semi-frame constructioncorrect
Units built	23,285correct

Where this model stands

Power-to-weight ratio: 17.1 kW/t (44 kW / 2.6 t)

Power class: Universal (40–100 hp)

Stronger than 41% 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 990 SELECTMATIC have?

The David Brown 990 SELECTMATIC delivers 58 hp.

How much does the David Brown 990 SELECTMATIC weigh?

The unladen weight is 2,580 kg.

What engine does the David Brown 990 SELECTMATIC have?

4 cylinders, 3,045 cm³ displacement, Diesel.

How fast does the David Brown 990 SELECTMATIC go?

Top speed is 25 km/h.

What are the dimensions of the David Brown 990 SELECTMATIC?

3,200 mm × 1,702 mm × 1,511 mm.

When was the David Brown 990 SELECTMATIC built?

Production years: 1965–1979.

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 23 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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