David Brown 885 Diesel - How to Start

2 more questions if anyone knows:
(1) There is a small rectangular plastic box under the seat with 4 cut wires sticking out - what is this for and should I worry about the wires?
(2) How do you work the hydraulics? (Again, I am a rookie:) This tractor has a 3 point hitch, 2 speed pto, what looks like another smaller pto to the left of center on the back and a bucket on the front with levers mounted front right to work the bucket. There is a 3 position turn switch to the right behind the seat that reads something like External, Depth and Height at the 3 positions. There is also a lever on a semicircle base to the right of the seat with some writing I can't read and then a grey knob that turns just below that with a short foot pedal facing backwards just above the floorboard. If anyone can tell me what all this is for I would greatly appreciate it.

Also, where do you add hydraulic fluid and is there a way to bleed the system since the hydraulics seem to move very slowly when I guess right and get something to move?

Thanks for any help.

Check out the David Brown Tractor Club in the UK as well. You will find many hits if you Google it.

As to some of the questions you ask:

The depth/height/TCU control behind the raise/lower control for the hydraulics controls the mode of the hydraulic system. Leave it in "height", middle position, until you need to change it.

The umbrella shaped lever that moves vertically upwards is, believe it or not, the parking brake. It's often seized and needs freeing up. You pull it up and turn it to the right to lock it. If you get off the tractor and look at it, you will see the operating rod is connected to the brake pedals under the footrest. Or it should be - when I got my DB the thing wasn't hooked up!

And the rotary knob in the same area controls the raise/lower rate of the hydraulics.

When you change the transmission and hydraulic fliud, change the filter as well. The filter is in a big metal enclosure right underneath the tractor, behind the back wheels.

Sounds like your baby has been a bit harshly treated. I'd recommend you change the engine oil and filter, fuel filters and the coolant/anitfreeze before using it for any serious work.

Good luck..... .

You should be able to track down a replacement at a wrecker who has DB's. I got several similar used parts from Fawcett Tractor Supply of St. Mary's, Ontario.

I worked at a case dealer for 15 years and I know how frustrating and expensive the david browns are. That is why I tried to steer him away from one that is in bad shape. The 84 sereis tractors are a breeze to work on and parts are plentyful and not as expensive as an english made tractor.Just fyi I like the american made case tractrs also!!! Not the english ones. Ih has some overseas junk too.