David Brown VAK-1
Built: 03/1945–06/1947 · Series: VAK-Baureihe
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David Brown VAK-1 (1945-1947) from Meltham, Yorkshire: the maker's first independent tractor model, water-cooled four-cylinder of 2,523 cc for kerosene or petrol, 35.5 hp/26.1 kW, 1,575 kg, only 1,110 mm wide
David Brown was a British tractor manufacturer based in Meltham, near Huddersfield in Yorkshire. The VAK-1 marked the start of David Brown's independent tractors, after the company had parted ways with its previous partner Harry Ferguson; the K in the designation stands for kerosene operation, as confirmed by the given fuel type of kerosene/petrol. The example recorded here was built between March 1945 and June 1947.
Read on 3 more paragraphs
The water-cooled four-cylinder engine has a displacement of 2,523 cc and produces 26.1 kW (35.5 hp) at 1,800 rpm. The VAK-1 is 2,750 mm long and 1,620 mm high, with a strikingly narrow width of only 1,110 mm; it weighs 1,575 kg. Its top speed is 30 km/h.
Like the Super Cropmaster, the VAK-1 has a kerosene/petrol engine with spark ignition: starting on petrol with spark plugs and magneto ignition, then switching to the cheaper kerosene via an extra carburettor and change-over valve. The narrow track of just 1,110 mm points to a design for working between narrow rows, such as in row crops, where a wide standard tractor would not fit.
When buying such an early model, check the ignition system, spark plugs and magneto, the carburettor with its fuel change-over, the radiator and water pump, and the clutch and gearbox. Given an age of around eighty years, the frame and steering knuckles should also be checked for fatigue cracks. Parts for this early David Brown model can only be sourced from specialist vintage-tractor dealers.
Sources: SpecCodex-Register: Kennwerte des Modells David Brown VAK-1
Technical data
Engine
| Engine make | David Browncorrect |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Kerosin/Benzincorrect |
| Power | 35.5 hp (26.1 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 1,800 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 4correct |
| Displacement | 2,523 cm³correct |
| Bore | 88.9 mmcorrect |
| Bore | 3.5 "correct |
| Stroke | 101.6 mmcorrect |
| Compression ratio | 4.7correct |
| Naturally aspirated | naturally aspiratedcorrect |
| Cooling | water-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 2,750 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,110 mmcorrect |
| Height | 1,620 mmcorrect |
| Ground clearance | 400 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 1,575 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 4 V/1 Rcorrect |
| Gearbox make | David Browncorrect |
| Forward gears | 4correct |
| Reverse gears | 1correct |
| Front tyres | 4.50-19 ASFcorrect |
| Rear tyres | 9.00-24 AScorrect |
| Top speed | 30 km/hcorrect |
Origin and approval
| Plant | Meltham Mills, Yorkshirecorrect |
|---|---|
| Construction | frame constructioncorrect |
| Units built | 3,501correct |
Other data
| Linkage category | Cat Icorrect |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Ferguson-Browncorrect |
| Successor | David Brown VAK 1Acorrect |
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 16.6 kW/t (26 kW / 1.6 t)
Power class: Compact (< 40 hp)
Stronger than 22% 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 VAK-1 have?
The David Brown VAK-1 delivers 35.5 hp.
How much does the David Brown VAK-1 weigh?
The unladen weight is 1,575 kg.
What engine does the David Brown VAK-1 have?
4 cylinders, 2,523 cm³ displacement, Kerosin/Benzin.
How fast does the David Brown VAK-1 go?
Top speed is 30 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the David Brown VAK-1?
2,750 mm × 1,110 mm × 1,620 mm.
When was the David Brown VAK-1 built?
Production years: 03/1945–06/1947.
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.
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This page carries 34 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.
