David Brown 1490
The David Brown 1490 is a utility tractor made from 1980 to 1983. It's a two-wheel drive tractor with a powerful 83 hp diesel engine made by J.I. Case. This engine is turbocharged and has four cylinders. The tractor's engine power is above average compared to other tractors. The 1490 has a partial power shift and synchromesh transmission with 12 forward gears and 4 reverse gears. It has hydrostatic power steering and hydraulic wet disc brakes. The tractor has a rear hitch that can lift up to 4,400 lb, which is very high compared to other tractors. It also has a rear PTO with two speeds: 540 rpm and 1000 rpm. The tractor weighs 6,490 lb and has a fuel tank that can hold 36 US gallons. Farmers can choose between a two-post ROPS or an optional cab for the operator station.
Quick specs
- Category
- Utility
- Engine Power Output
- 83hp
- Operating Weight
- 6,490 lb
- Transmission
- Partial power shift & Synchromesh
At a glance
How the 1490 compares
vs. Utility medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Utility tractors
This model
The 1490 ranks at the 73rd percentile for engine power among recorded utility tractors.
Overview
About the David Brown 1490
The David Brown 1490 is a utility tractor made from 1980 to 1983. It's a two-wheel drive tractor with a powerful 83 hp diesel engine made by J.I. Case. This engine is turbocharged and has four cylinders. The tractor's engine power is above average compared to other tractors. The 1490 has a partial power shift and synchromesh transmission with 12 forward gears and 4 reverse gears. It has hydrostatic power steering and hydraulic wet disc brakes. The tractor has a rear hitch that can lift up to 4,400 lb, which is very high compared to other tractors. It also has a rear PTO with two speeds: 540 rpm and 1000 rpm. The tractor weighs 6,490 lb and has a fuel tank that can hold 36 US gallons. Farmers can choose between a two-post ROPS or an optional cab for the operator station.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | David Brown |
|---|---|
| Model | 1490 |
| Category | Utility tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1980–1983 |
| Operating weight | 6,490lb |
Engine
| Make | J.I. Case |
|---|---|
| Power | 83hp |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement | 219ci |
| Bore | 3.94in |
| Stroke | 4.49in |
Transmission
| Type | Partial power shift & Synchromesh |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 12 |
| Reverse gears | 4 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) |
| Steering | Hydrostatic power |
| Brakes | Hydraulic wet disc |
| Cab | Two-post ROPS or Cab (optional) |
Hydraulics
| Type | Open center |
|---|
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Rear PTO |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 540rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 143in |
|---|---|
| Width | 76.5in |
| Height | 105in |
| Operating weight | 6,490lb |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 3.75gal |
|---|
Head to head
1490 vs. Utility median
How the David Brown 1490 compares to other Utility tractors
| Spec | This model | Utility median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 83 hp | 55 hp | +51% | 73rd |
| Engine Displacement | 219 ci | 183 ci | +20% | 60th |
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 | at median | 50th |
| Forward Gears | 12 | 12 | at median | 50th |
| Operating Weight | 6,490 lb | 5,303 lb | +22% | 61st |
| Length | 143 in | 137 in | +5% | 59th |
| Width | 76.5 in | 66 in | +16% | 74th |
| Height | 105 in | 94.1 in | +12% | 77th |
| 3-Point Hitch Capacity | 4,400 lb | 3,197 lb | +38% | 70th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the utility tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 1,083–5,720 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared David Brown tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Brown 1690 | 90 hp | 8,755 lb | 1980–1984 | Compare → |
| David Brown 1410 | 91.2 hp | 7,660 lb | 1974–1979 | Compare → |
| David Brown 1412 | 91.2 hp | 7,659 lb | 1974–1979 | Compare → |
| David Brown 1200 Selectamatic | 72 hp | 6,230 lb | 1967–1971 | Compare → |
| David Brown 1212 | 71 hp | 6,724 lb | 1971–1976 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGCO GT75 | 83 hp | 5,511 lb | 2004–2007 | Compare → |
| Agco GT75A | 83 hp | 6,040.7 lb | — | Compare → |
| Agco LT90 | 85 hp | 8,980 lb | — | Compare → |
| Apollo 854 | 85 hp | 10,360 lb | — | Compare → |
| Agrinar T-85 | 80.9 hp | 3,000 lb | — | Compare → |
Explore
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FAQ
Common questions
What years was the David Brown 1490 manufactured?
Production of the David Brown 1490 ran from 1980 through 1983.
What hydraulics does the David Brown 1490 have?
The David Brown 1490 uses an Open center hydraulic system.
What three-point hitch category does the David Brown 1490 use?
The David Brown 1490 has a Category II three-point hitch rated to lift 4,400 lb.
How powerful is the David Brown 1490?
The David Brown 1490 has an engine power output of 83 hp. It is powered by a 4-cylinder engine displacing 219 ci.
What is the working weight of the David Brown 1490?
The operating weight of the David Brown 1490 is approximately 6,490 lb.
What type of transmission does the David Brown 1490 have?
The David Brown 1490 uses a Partial power shift & Synchromesh transmission offering 12 forward gears.
What routine service does the David Brown 1490 need?
Regular maintenance for the David Brown 1490 includes checking and changing engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and filters, plus routine inspections as recommended in the owner's manual. Always follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for specific intervals and procedures.




