Brand siblingDavid Brown 1290
The David Brown 1290 is a utility tractor made from 1980 to 1983 in England. It has a 2-wheel drive setup and power steering, making it easy to handle. The tractor uses a 12-speed transmission, giving drivers lots of options for different tasks. Under the hood, there's a 4-cylinder diesel engine made by J.I. Case. This engine has average displacement for its class and runs at 2200 rpm, which is on the lower side. The tractor weighs 5390 lb, putting it in the middle range for weight. It has a Category 2/1 hitch at the back and can use different PTO speeds. The 1290 also has an open center hydraulic system and a two-post ROPS for safety. With its 19-gallon fuel tank and electric starter, this tractor is ready for a full day's work on the farm.

Quick specs
- Category
- Utility
- Operating Weight
- 5,390 lb
- Transmission
- 12-speed synchromesh
Overview
About the David Brown 1290
The David Brown 1290 is a utility tractor made from 1980 to 1983 in England. It has a 2-wheel drive setup and power steering, making it easy to handle. The tractor uses a 12-speed transmission, giving drivers lots of options for different tasks. Under the hood, there's a 4-cylinder diesel engine made by J.I. Case. This engine has average displacement for its class and runs at 2200 rpm, which is on the lower side. The tractor weighs 5390 lb, putting it in the middle range for weight. It has a Category 2/1 hitch at the back and can use different PTO speeds. The 1290 also has an open center hydraulic system and a two-post ROPS for safety. With its 19-gallon fuel tank and electric starter, this tractor is ready for a full day's work on the farm.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | David Brown |
|---|---|
| Model | 1290 |
| Category | Utility tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1980–1983 |
| Operating weight | 5,390lb |
Engine
| Make | J.I. Case |
|---|---|
| Model | 3.2L 4-cyl diesel |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement | 195ci |
| Bore | 3.94in |
| Stroke | 4in |
Transmission
| Type | 12-speed synchromesh |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 12 |
| Reverse gears | 4 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Power |
| Brakes | Mechanical drum |
| Cab | Two-post ROPS |
Hydraulics
| Type | Open center |
|---|
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Transmission or independent |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 540rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 134.6in |
|---|---|
| Height | 87.8in |
| Operating weight | 5,390lb |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 3.7gal |
|---|
Head to head
1290 vs. Utility median
How the David Brown 1290 compares to other Utility tractors
| Spec | This model | Utility median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 195 ci | 183 ci | +6% | 52nd |
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 | at median | 50th |
| Forward Gears | 12 | 12 | at median | 50th |
| Operating Weight | 5,390 lb | 5,303 lb | +2% | 50th |
| Length | 135 in | 137 in | -1% | 47th |
| Height | 87.8 in | 94.1 in | -7% | 37th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the utility tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 4,321–5,720 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared David Brown tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Brown 1200 Selectamatic | 72 hp | 6,230 lb | 1967–1971 | Compare → |
| David Brown 1210 | 61 hp | 5,860 lb | 1971–1976 | Compare → |
| David Brown 1212 | 71 hp | 6,724 lb | 1971–1976 | Compare → |
| David Brown 1390 | 60.8 hp | 5,501 lb | 1980–1984 | Compare → |
| David Brown 1410 | 91.2 hp | 7,660 lb | 1974–1979 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advance-Rumely 6A | — | 6,370 lb | — | Compare → |
| Advance-Rumely DoAll | — | 3,702 lb | — | Compare → |
| Advance-Rumely OilPull B 25/45 | — | 25,000 lb | — | Compare → |
| Advance-Rumely OilPull E 30/60 | — | 26,300 lb | — | Compare → |
| Advance-Rumely OilPull F 15/30 | — | 16,500 lb | — | Compare → |
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Gallery
David Brown 1290 photos




FAQ
Common questions
When was the David Brown 1290 in production?
David Brown 1290 production started in 1980 and ended in 1983.
How much does the David Brown 1290 weigh?
The David Brown 1290 weighs about 5,390 lb in operating condition.
What transmission is in the David Brown 1290?
Transmission on the David Brown 1290 is 12-speed synchromesh, with 12 forward speeds.
What hydraulics does the David Brown 1290 have?
The David Brown 1290 uses an Open center hydraulic system.
What three-point hitch category does the David Brown 1290 use?
The David Brown 1290 has a Category Category 2/1 three-point hitch.
What engine configuration does the David Brown 1290 use?
The David Brown 1290 is equipped with a 4-cylinder engine displacing 195 ci.
What maintenance does the David Brown 1290 require?
Like any tractor, the David Brown 1290 needs periodic engine oil and filter changes, hydraulic fluid checks, and regular greasing and inspection. The owner's manual lists the manufacturer's recommended service intervals.


