Brand siblingDavid Brown 885
The David Brown 885 is a utility tractor made from 1971 to 1980. It has a 2WD drive system and a manual steering type. The tractor uses a 3-cylinder gasoline engine that is liquid-cooled. This engine has average power for its size, producing 39.26 hp at 2200 rpm. The 885 model has a selective gear fixed ratio transmission with 12 forward gears and 4 reverse gears. It features a rear hitch that can lift up to 1808 lb, which is above average for tractors of its class. The tractor has both 540 rpm and 1000 rpm PTO speeds at the rear. It has an open operator station and uses a 12-volt electric starter. The 885 weighs 4020 lb, which is about average for similar tractors. It measures 115.7 inches long, 65 inches wide, and 93.7 inches tall, making it compact enough for various farm tasks.

Quick specs
- Category
- Utility
- Engine Power Output
- 39hp
- Operating Weight
- 4,020 lb
- Transmission
- Selective gear fixed ratio
At a glance
How the 885 compares
vs. Utility medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Utility tractors
This model
The 885 ranks at the 33rd percentile for engine power among recorded utility tractors.
Overview
About the David Brown 885
The David Brown 885 is a utility tractor made from 1971 to 1980. It has a 2WD drive system and a manual steering type. The tractor uses a 3-cylinder gasoline engine that is liquid-cooled. This engine has average power for its size, producing 39.26 hp at 2200 rpm. The 885 model has a selective gear fixed ratio transmission with 12 forward gears and 4 reverse gears. It features a rear hitch that can lift up to 1808 lb, which is above average for tractors of its class. The tractor has both 540 rpm and 1000 rpm PTO speeds at the rear. It has an open operator station and uses a 12-volt electric starter. The 885 weighs 4020 lb, which is about average for similar tractors. It measures 115.7 inches long, 65 inches wide, and 93.7 inches tall, making it compact enough for various farm tasks.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | David Brown |
|---|---|
| Model | 885 |
| Category | Utility tractor |
| Type | 4x2 |
| Years built | 1971–1980 |
| Operating weight | 4,020lb |
Engine
| Make | David Brown |
|---|---|
| Model | 3 cylinder vertical gasoline |
| Power | 39.26hp |
| Cylinders | 3 |
| Displacement | 146.1ci |
| Bore | 3.94in |
| Stroke | 4in |
Transmission
| Type | Selective gear fixed ratio |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 12 |
| Reverse gears | 4 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Brakes | Internal expanding shoe |
| Cab | Open operator station |
Hydraulics
| Type | Open center |
|---|
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Rear |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 540rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 115.7in |
|---|---|
| Width | 65in |
| Height | 93.7in |
| Operating weight | 4,020lb |
Capacities
| Cooling system | 2.25gal |
|---|
Head to head
885 vs. Utility median
How the David Brown 885 compares to other Utility tractors
| Spec | This model | Utility median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 39.3 hp | 55 hp | -29% | 33rd |
| Engine Displacement | 146 ci | 183 ci | -20% | 37th |
| Cylinders | 3 | 4 | -25% | 23rd |
| Forward Gears | 12 | 12 | at median | 50th |
| Operating Weight | 4,020 lb | 5,303 lb | -24% | 37th |
| Length | 116 in | 137 in | -15% | 22nd |
| Width | 65 in | 66 in | -2% | 48th |
| Height | 93.7 in | 94.1 in | 0% | 50th |
| 3-Point Hitch Capacity | 1,808 lb | 3,197 lb | -43% | 20th |
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 850 | 40.1 hp | 4,094 lb | 1960–1965 | 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 Cropmaster Diesel | 34 hp | 2,954 lb | 1949–1953 | Compare → |
| David Brown 780 | 46 hp | 3,470 lb | 1967–1971 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | 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 → |
| Allis Chalmers 6140 | 40 hp | 4,000 lb | 1982–1985 | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers D15 Series I | 40 hp | 3,990 lb | 1960–1963 | Compare → |
Explore
David Brown siblings
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Gallery
David Brown 885 photos






FAQ
Common questions
What years was the David Brown 885 manufactured?
Production of the David Brown 885 ran from 1971 through 1980.
What hitch category is the David Brown 885?
The David Brown 885 uses a Category I, II hitch with a lift capacity of 1,808 lb.
How powerful is the David Brown 885?
The David Brown 885 has an engine power output of 39.26 hp. It is powered by a 3-cylinder engine displacing 146.1 ci.
What is the working weight of the David Brown 885?
The operating weight of the David Brown 885 is approximately 4,020 lb.
What type of transmission does the David Brown 885 have?
The David Brown 885 uses a Selective gear fixed ratio transmission offering 12 forward gears.
What type of hydraulic system does the David Brown 885 use?
Hydraulics on the David Brown 885 are Open center.
What routine service does the David Brown 885 need?
Regular maintenance for the David Brown 885 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.





