David Brown 2 D (VAD-12/V)
Built: 03/1956–09/1961 · Series: VAD-Baureihe
More machines from model year 1956
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David Brown 2 D / VAD-12/V (1956-1961) from Meltham, Yorkshire: light air-cooled two-cylinder diesel of 1,261 cc, 12.2 hp/9 kW at 1,500 rpm, weighing only 991 kg, top speed 15 km/h
David Brown was a British tractor manufacturer based in Meltham, near Huddersfield in Yorkshire. The VAD series with the 2 D model was built from March 1956 to September 1961. In the designation, D stands for diesel operation, as confirmed by the given fuel type, unlike the K designation of David Brown's kerosene-fuelled models.
Read on 3 more paragraphs
The engine is an air-cooled two-cylinder diesel of 1,261 cc, producing 9 kW (12.2 hp) at 1,500 rpm. The 2 D is 2,985 mm long, 1,695 mm wide and 1,397 mm high, with a wheelbase of 1,829 mm and a weight of only 991 kg. Its top speed is 15 km/h.
At just under 9 kW and under a tonne in weight, the 2 D sits in the lightest class of agricultural tractors, sufficient for smaller plots, grassland and implements with low power demand. Air cooling was the exception for this maker, since David Brown mostly used water-cooled engines; it does away with a radiator, water pump and coolant, but requires a clean cooling fan and unobstructed cooling fins so the engine does not overheat.
When buying a used air-cooled two-cylinder, first check the cylinder block's cooling fins and the fan for dirt and damage, since either can cause engine damage through overheating. Beyond that, check the clutch and gearbox, tightness of the injection pump, the state of the hydraulics and rust on the light sheet-metal bodywork. Parts for this small David Brown diesel are supplied by specialist dealers in classic tractors.
Sources: SpecCodex-Register: Kennwerte des Modells David Brown 2 D (VAD-12/V)
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | dieselcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 12.2 hp (9 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 1,500 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 2correct |
| Displacement | 1,261 cm³correct |
| Bore | 88.9 mmcorrect |
| Stroke | 101.6 mmcorrect |
| Compression ratio | 16.1correct |
| Injection pressure | 175 barcorrect |
| Cooling | air-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 2,985 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,695 mmcorrect |
| Height | 1,397 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 1,829 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 991 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 4 V/1 Rcorrect |
| Front tyres | 4.00-15 ASFcorrect |
| Rear tyres | 6.00-22 AScorrect |
| Top speed | 15 km/hcorrect |
Origin and approval
| Construction | frame constructioncorrect |
|---|---|
| Units built | 2,006correct |
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 9.1 kW/t (9 kW / 1 t)
Power class: Compact (< 40 hp)
Stronger than 2% 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 2 D (VAD-12/V) have?
The David Brown 2 D (VAD-12/V) delivers 12.2 hp.
How much does the David Brown 2 D (VAD-12/V) weigh?
The unladen weight is 991 kg.
What engine does the David Brown 2 D (VAD-12/V) have?
2 cylinders, 1,261 cm³ displacement, Diesel.
How fast does the David Brown 2 D (VAD-12/V) go?
Top speed is 15 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the David Brown 2 D (VAD-12/V)?
2,985 mm × 1,695 mm × 1,397 mm.
When was the David Brown 2 D (VAD-12/V) built?
Production years: 03/1956–09/1961.
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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Sources: [1]
Tractor in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.
