Brand siblingDavid Brown 850
The David Brown 850 is a utility tractor made from 1960 to 1965. It has a 2WD chassis and a 4-cylinder gasoline engine that makes 40.1 horsepower. The engine size is average for tractors, while its power output is slightly below average. This tractor weighs 4,094 pounds, which is about average for its class. The 850 has a simple design with a manual steering system and an open operator station. It has a 6-speed transmission with 2 reverse gears, which gives farmers good control over their work speed. The tractor has a rear hitch for attaching tools and a PTO that can run at 540 or 1000 rpm. This makes it versatile for different farm tasks. The David Brown 850 is a basic, reliable tractor that was popular with small to medium-sized farms in the early 1960s.

Quick specs
- Category
- Utility
- Engine Power Output
- 40hp
- Operating Weight
- 4,094 lb
- Transmission
- Unsynchronized gear
At a glance
How the 850 compares
vs. Utility medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Utility tractors
This model
The 850 ranks at the 34th percentile for engine power among recorded utility tractors.
Overview
About the David Brown 850
The David Brown 850 is a utility tractor made from 1960 to 1965. It has a 2WD chassis and a 4-cylinder gasoline engine that makes 40.1 horsepower. The engine size is average for tractors, while its power output is slightly below average. This tractor weighs 4,094 pounds, which is about average for its class. The 850 has a simple design with a manual steering system and an open operator station. It has a 6-speed transmission with 2 reverse gears, which gives farmers good control over their work speed. The tractor has a rear hitch for attaching tools and a PTO that can run at 540 or 1000 rpm. This makes it versatile for different farm tasks. The David Brown 850 is a basic, reliable tractor that was popular with small to medium-sized farms in the early 1960s.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | David Brown |
|---|---|
| Model | 850 |
| Category | Utility tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1960–1965 |
| Operating weight | 4,094lb |
Engine
| Make | David Brown |
|---|---|
| Model | 2.5L 4-cyl diesel |
| Power | 40.1hp |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement | 154ci |
| Bore | 3.5in |
| Stroke | 4in |
Transmission
| Type | Unsynchronized gear |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 6 |
| Reverse gears | 2 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Brakes | Differential mechanical expanding shoe |
| Cab | Open operator station |
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Transmission or Live (optional) |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 540rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 113.5in |
|---|---|
| Height | 51.75in |
| Operating weight | 4,094lb |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 3.6gal |
|---|
Head to head
850 vs. Utility median
How the David Brown 850 compares to other Utility tractors
| Spec | This model | Utility median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 40.1 hp | 55 hp | -27% | 34th |
| Engine Displacement | 154 ci | 183 ci | -16% | 41st |
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 | at median | 50th |
| Forward Gears | 6 | 12 | -50% | 11th |
| Operating Weight | 4,094 lb | 5,303 lb | -23% | 38th |
| Length | 114 in | 137 in | -17% | 19th |
| Height | 51.8 in | 94.1 in | -45% | 4th |
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 885 | 39.26 hp | 4,020 lb | 1971–1980 | Compare → |
| David Brown 770 Selectamatic | 38.34 hp | 3,730 lb | 1965–1970 | Compare → |
| David Brown 950 | 42.5 hp | 4,230 lb | 1958–1959 | Compare → |
| David Brown 780 | 46 hp | 3,470 lb | 1967–1971 | Compare → |
| David Brown 880 Selectamatic | 46 hp | 3,970 lb | 1965–1971 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGCO ST40 | 40.1 hp | 3,323 lb | — | Compare → |
| AGCO ST41A | 40.1 hp | 3,000 lb | — | Compare → |
| Advance-Rumely OilPull K 12/20 | 40 hp | 6,430 lb | — | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers 160 | 40 hp | 4,674 lb | 1970–1975 | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers 5040 | 40 hp | 3,858 lb | 1976–1980 | Compare → |
Explore
David Brown siblings
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Gallery
David Brown 850 photos



FAQ
Common questions
When was the David Brown 850 made?
The David Brown 850 was manufactured from 1960 to 1965.
What is the operating weight of the David Brown 850?
In working trim, the David Brown 850 comes in at roughly 4,094 lb.
Which transmission does the David Brown 850 use?
The David Brown 850 is equipped with an Unsynchronized gear transmission with 6 forward gears.
What hitch category is the David Brown 850?
The David Brown 850 uses a Category I hitch.
What is the engine power output of the David Brown 850?
Rated engine output for the David Brown 850 is 40.1 hp, delivered by a 4-cylinder engine. The engine displaces 154 ci.
How do I maintain a David Brown 850?
Routine service for the David Brown 850 covers engine oil and filter changes, hydraulic and coolant level checks, air filter cleaning, and scheduled inspections. Refer to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for exact intervals.



