Compare/David Brown 1212 vs David Brown 1490

David Brown 1212 vs David Brown 1490

Verdict: David Brown 1212 vs David Brown 1490

The David Brown 1212 and the David Brown 1490 are both tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Both are rated at the same 71 hp. David Brown 1212 is the lighter machine (3,052 kg vs 6,490 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. David Brown 1490 holds more fuel (136.3 L vs 80.6 L) for longer stints between fills. Use the full side-by-side spec tables below to weigh the details against your own operation, and confirm with a dealer demo.

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Tell us about your operation

Acreage600 acBudgetMain crop / use

Fit & specs

David Brown

Fit score

Best match

Clear

David Brown

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Rated power

71 hp

Confidence

40%

Guide price

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Overview

Manufacturer

David BrownReference

Drawbar performanceReference

Three gears, plus reverse, with a four-range power shift.Reference

Original price

$11,900 (1976)Reference

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Steering

hydrostatic powerReference

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Variants

1210

synchromeshReference

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1212

power shiftReference

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Engine

Fuel tank

80.6 LReference

136.3 LReference

Engine (net)

52.9 kWReference

—

Drawbar (claimed)

41.7 kWReference

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Drawbar (tested)

39.7 kWReference

45.0 kWReference

Displacement

3.6 LReference

Bore/Stroke

100 x 114 mmReference

Power (net)

52.9 kWReference

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Air cleaner

dryReference

dual dry elementReference

Compression

17:1Reference

16:1Reference

Rated RPM

2300Reference

2200Reference

Starter volts

12Reference

Oil capacity

35.0 LReference

7.4 LReference

Coolant capacity

14.0 LReference

14.2 LReference

Power at rated engine speed

48.7 kWReference

52.6 kWReference

Max power

39.7 kWReference

44.8 kWReference

Engine

—

61.9 kWReference

Power

—

61.9 kWReference

Firing order

—

1-2-4-3Reference

Transmission

Hydra-ShiftReference

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Gears

12 forward and 4 reverseReference

Clutch

—

hydraulic dry discReference

PTO & Hydraulics

PTO (claimed)

47.5 kWReference

52.2 kWReference

PTO (tested)

48.7 kWReference

52.6 kWReference

Type

partial power shiftReference

Pressure

137.9 barReference

Total flow

26.1 lpmReference

31.8 lpmReference

Rear Type

IIReference

Rear lift

1995 kgReference

Rear PTO

independentReference

Rear PTO Type

540/1000Reference

Power at rated PTO speed

39.7 kWReference

51.3 kWReference

Valves

—

1Reference

Dimensions

Wheelbase

226 cmReference

224 cmReference

Weight

3052 kgReference

6490 to 7580 poundsReference

Front tire

7.50-16Reference

11L-15Reference

Rear tire

13.6-38Reference

18.4-34Reference

Ag front

6.00-19Reference

11L-15Reference

Ag rear

18.4-30Reference

18.4-34Reference

Length

363 cmReference

Width

177 cmReference

194 cmReference

Height (ROPS)

266 cmReference

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Clearance (front axle)

53 cmReference

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Clearance (drawbar)

43 cmReference

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Operating

3052 kgReference

—

Max Drawbar

1134 kgReference

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Height (cab)

—

266 cmReference

Height (exhaust)

—

238 cmReference

2WD Ground clearance

—

53 cmReference

4WD Ground clearance

—

33 cmReference

Rear tread

—

157 to 223 cmReference

2WD ROPS Shipping

—

2943 kgReference

2WD Cab Shipping

—

3438 kgReference

Electrical

Charging system

alternatorReference

—

Battery volts

12Reference

Battery AH

96Reference

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Ground

—

negativeReference

Capacities

Max capacity

4082 kgReference

5216 kgReference

Test results

Fuel use

15.9 l/hourReference

17.4 l/hourReference

Max pull

3690 kgReference

3812 kgReference

David Brown 1490 attachments

1490 Serial Numbers

1980

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11180101Reference

1981

—

11182782Reference

1982

—

11185693Reference

1983

—

11188540Reference

Location:

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Serial number stamped into the top of the tractor's frame on the right side, next to the engine.Reference

Fit score weighs budget, operation size, crop match and data confidence against the details above. It’s guidance, not advice — always confirm with a dealer demo.