Start › Tractors › David Brown › 990 (A)

David Brown 990 (A)

Built: 1971–1976 · Series: SYNCHROMESH-Baureihe

More machines from model year 1971

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=162576036

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

With the 990 (A), David Brown offers a model from the SYNCHROMESH series. Production: 1971–1976. The engine delivers 58 hp (42.7 kW), has 4 cylinders, with a displacement of 3,194 cm³. Torque is 206 Nm. Rated speed is 2,200 rpm. The machine is 3,302 mm long, 1,702 mm wide and 2,515 mm high. The unladen weight is 2,585 kg. The wheelbase measures 2,083 mm. Ground clearance is 530 mm. Top speed is 25 km/h. Transmission: 12 V/4 R. The engine is water-cooled. Tyres: front 7.50-16 ASF (A: 9.5-24 AS), rear 13.6-36 AS. The fuel is diesel. The bore measures 100.1 mm. The stroke is 101.6 mm. The compression ratio is 17:1. Maximum torque is reached at 1,400 rpm. Construction: semi-frame construction. Around 18.540 units were built. The SYNCHROMESH-Baureihe series covers 3 models. Rated output within it ranges from 58 to 91 hp; the 990 (A) sits at the bottom of that range with 58 hp. Its immediate neighbours are the 1210 (A) above it with 72 hp. Unladen weight within it ranges from 2,585 to 3,265 kg; here the 990 (A) sits at the bottom of that range with 2,585 kg. 147 David Brown models across 19 series are on record.

David Brown Synchromesh range – models 990, 1210 and 1410 from Meltham: four-cylinder diesel from 42.7 to 66.9 kW, 3,194 to 3,627 cm³ displacement and Synchromesh gearbox

David Brown Tractors built its farm tractors at the Meltham plant in West Yorkshire, England. The Synchromesh range takes its name from the gearbox of the same name with synchronised gears, which set the models 990, 1210 and 1410 apart from older David Brown ranges with unsynchronised gearboxes. The numbers in the type designation roughly follow the power class within the range.

Read on 3 more paragraphs

The register lists 3 versions with 42.7 to 66.9 kW rated output at 2,200 to 2,300 rpm. The four-cylinder diesel engines produce between 3,194 and 3,627 cm³ displacement, torque ranges from 206 to 304 Nm. Operating weights lie between 2,585 and 3,265 kg, lengths between 3,302 and 3,632 mm.

The Synchromesh range placed David Brown in the mid to upper power segment of its own model line-up, competing there with British and international rivals such as Ford, Massey Ferguson and International Harvester. The synchronised gearbox eased gear changes under load compared with older designs and was an important selling point at the time.

When buying used, the condition of the clutch and synchro rings in the gearbox rank among the most expensive checks, along with corrosion on wings, brakes and hydraulic lines. Spare parts supply for the Synchromesh range today runs mainly through specialist vintage farm machinery dealers, some of whom also offer remanufactured wear parts.

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

Technical data

Engine

Fuel	dieselcorrect
Power	58 hp (42.7 kW)correct
Rated speed	2,200 rpmcorrect
Torque	206 Nmcorrect
Speed at max. torque	1,400 rpmcorrect
Cylinders	4correct
Displacement	3,194 cm³correct
Bore	100.1 mmcorrect
Stroke	101.6 mmcorrect
Compression ratio	17correct
Injection pressure	177.5 barcorrect
Cooling	water-cooledcorrect

Dimensions and weights

Length	3,302 mmcorrect
Width	1,702 mmcorrect
Height	2,515 mmcorrect
Wheelbase	2,083 mmcorrect
Ground clearance	530 mmcorrect
Unladen weight	2,585 kgcorrect

Drivetrain and chassis

Drive	rear- and four-wheel drivecorrect
Gearbox	12 V/4 Rcorrect
Front tyres	7.50-16 ASF (A: 9.5-24 AS)correct
Rear tyres	13.6-36 AScorrect
Top speed	25 km/hcorrect

Origin and approval

Construction	semi-frame constructioncorrect
Units built	18,540correct

Where this model stands

Power-to-weight ratio: 16.5 kW/t (43 kW / 2.6 t)

Power class: Universal (40–100 hp)

Stronger than 40% 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 (A) have?

The David Brown 990 (A) delivers 58 hp.

How much does the David Brown 990 (A) weigh?

The unladen weight is 2,585 kg.

What engine does the David Brown 990 (A) have?

4 cylinders, 3,194 cm³ displacement, Diesel.

How fast does the David Brown 990 (A) go?

Top speed is 25 km/h.

What are the dimensions of the David Brown 990 (A)?

3,302 mm × 1,702 mm × 2,515 mm.

When was the David Brown 990 (A) built?

Production years: 1971–1976.

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.

Looking for this machine?
We do not sell machines. We ask the dealers who carry this model and come back with price and lead time.
Request a quote →

Need parts for this model?
We ask the suppliers and come back with price and lead time.
Request spare parts →

This page carries 26 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 →