Help need with David Brown 1200

[dbnewbieoh]

Hi,

I'm looking at a David Brown 1200, with a DB loader, and DB wheel weights. The tractor was used on a small hobby farm for misc. chores and mostly for summer straw baling. The previous owner died about 6-7 years ago. The tractor sat in the barn all of these years until last year when the wife started and ran the tractor. She told me that the its leaking engine oil, transmission fluid, and hydraulic fluid.

I know nothing about David Brown but am willing to learn. So here are my questions.....

Are these common leaks per say with David Brown's ?
If so are they easy fixes ?
Is it worth trying to save this tractor ?

Thanks !

[richbug]

It is British... The the hillbilly axiom says "if there ain't no oil under it, there ain't no oil in it", some truth to it. The way it is constructed, there are lots of places for oil to leak, if you are handy, it isn't usually a big deal to fix(gaskets/hoses/seals) leaks show neglect as they weren't fixed as they sprung up.

Hydraulic fluid is transmission fluid on these, it shows the seller's lack of knowledge.

I save as many as I can. I have a 1200 on my slate that is much worse off than that one.


I might me interested in it if you aren't. Sending you a PM.

[dj]

Hi dbnewbieoh, and welcome,

David Brown tractors are a connoisseur's tractor.
Hugely fuel efficient, and a very advanced hydraulic system that other tractor types-Red, Blue and Green could only dream of. They are hard workers and owners are very loyal to the brand.

The downside is that the brand was bought out in the 1970's and the remnants of the tractor side of the business is now owned by Case. Case do not manufacture the whole range of original replacement parts (and what they do sell is expensive) but thankfully, there are lots of aftermarket companies that make a wide range of acceptable parts. Service parts like filters, gaskets and so on are easy to get hold of, as are pistons, valves, rings, exhausts, wheel bearings, water pumps etc. but specialist items within the engine and hydraulic system are pretty difficult to source, and may only be available second hand.

New body panels are very hard to source.

Having said that, you will see on this site, many examples of machines that have been brought back to life from an extremely dark place.

So to answer your questions:
There are leaks and leaks. It depends which part of the engine is leaking, and how much.
The hydraulic and transmission system uses the same oil.
Are the hydraulic leaks from the loader rams or pipes?
I think new oil seals are available for DB loaders.

Are there easy fixes?
Depends on where they are. If you could post pictures here to show what's leaking and how much, I'm sure one of our resident experts can give you an indication of what the cause is, and whether it's fixable.
Depending on that answer, you could then decide your own answer to question 3.

[dbnewbieoh]

Questions

So even the loader has tranny fluid ?
Are the hour meters known to not work/quit ? This tractor only shows 1400hrs.
Is there any truth to the crankshafts being weak ?

Thanks guys !

[richbug]

So even the loader has tranny fluid ?
-Yes, unless someone has rigged something up.


Are the hour meters known to not work/quit ?
-This tractor only shows 1400hrs.

The hour meters only work if the owner keeps a good drive cable attached.
-There are still low hour gems out there, I have a 990 with under 800 on a working original tach. It could just as likely be once around the meter too. Several members here have 10,000 plus hour machines.



Is there any truth to the crankshafts being weak ?
-They don't like being lugged(high load low RPMs). Don't ask it to do heavy work below 1800 rpms and it will be fine.

[dj]

So even the loader has tranny fluid ?
Yes. The loader pipework is connected to the tractor via a spool valve or a "3 way valve".
The hydraulic oil is the same oil that's in the gearbox or transmission fluid.
(Does the word "Tranny" have the same connotations on that side of the pond??)

Are the hour meters known to not work/quit ? This tractor only shows 1400hrs.
Yes they do. Usually it's the cable that's broken. Easily fixed. If it's the meter, replacements are readily available.

Is there any truth to the crankshafts being weak ?
I've heard the story. Whether it has any truth to it, I can't say.
I think there was a thread on here some months back that dispelled it.
Use the "Search" facility at the top of the page, type in crankshaft broken, check the "Search for all terms" button, and see what you come up with.

[mitch]

Price is the determiner. If it runs and is not expensive buy it, you will not be dissapointed. Leaks are nothing, it is just marking its territory. Parts are good to get. Are the panels in good order? Any pictures.

[richbug]

(Does the word "Tranny" have the same connotations on that side of the pond??)

Do you wear women's clothes???? Don't want to insult anyone.


Tranny is slang here for transmission.

[mitch]

or a Ford Transit Van.

[dbnewbieoh]

I'll try to get some picture taken tomorrow.

The panels all good with little to no rust .......This tractor was barn kept. The stickers are all faded or missing.
Fenders are the big L shaped fenders in nice shape.

I gave $1000.00 for it today.

Thanks ya'll !

[richbug]

The stickers will run you about $70 for a decent looking hood set.

You stole it.

[mitch]

I would take two for that price with a loader!

[erkki]

According to literature the crank problem occurred in 1968 when the engine power was increased over 70 hp. Development department tested the cranks and found a solution to produce cmpressive residual stress on the surfaces of the critical points. The cured the problem.

RGDS erkki

[Guest]

With regard to oil leaks, a tractor that has been stood for some considerable time unused, some of the oil seals and some gaskets will 'dry out', such oil seals that will do this is the rear crank seal, front timing case seal, gearbox front seal and certain O rings such as those in the 3-way-valve unit. Rear engine oil seal leak will leak black oil from under the bell housing, geabox front seal will leak clean oil from the bell housing so those are easily identified. Not always, but sometimes, a good days work will stop leaks by the oil swelling the seals as being stood they dry out, especially on earlier tractors where leather and felt seals were used.

[ryanvu1]

You got a bargain. Post photos!