David Brown tractors need no introduction in West Cork. The red and white rose tractors were well represented by dealers Atkins McKenzies of Carrigrohane Rd, who’s branch in Bandon played a supporting role. The 990 and 995 were manufactured at the newly configured assembly line at the manufacturing  plant at Meltham Mills, Yorkshire from 1971, while the 996 joined its siblings after its launch in 1973 and saw production through to 1979.

The colour scheme of the complete range of tractors underwent a significant change in 1973 with the merge of David Brown and Case under the umbrella company, Tenneco. Gone was the chocolate and cream of the late 60’s replaced by orchid white, red and black which were the official colours of both tractor brands with the Case name creeping along the bonnet of the David Brown tractors.  The 995 is powered by a four-cylinder David Brown AD4/55 engine, which is renowned for being a sprightly, economical and reliable engine. The 995 benefited from a synchromesh gearbox, providing an easier on-the-move gear change. With the introduction of the 996 in 1973, the 995 also benefitted from hydrostatic steering.

With Selectamatic hydraulics, a lift capacity of two tons with assistor ram, and an oil flow of 28l/min, the 995 has both 540rpm and 1000rpm PTO speeds. The Selectamatic feature allowed the operator to switch between settings using a dial for draft work which include depth control, height control, and external, all of which were governed by a cable sensing the load on the top link housing.

Producing a 1970’s market-averaging 64hp, what separated the 996 from the 995 is a hand lever operated clutch for the PTO. To turn on or off PTO driven implements, the David Brown 995 had to be stopped as drive to the PTO ceased when the clutch was pressed. This was one of the reasons production of the 995 ceased in 1975, making it more of lesser-seen model.

995 cabs come in many guises. The model was initially launched with the company’s difficult-to-access and primitive WeatherFrame cab. New noise regulations of under 90DB in the UK led to the development of the Q Cab in 1976s.  To improve traction, a four-wheel drive was added to the options list, the driven axle being provided by Selene. If you have a David Brown in any colour, we would like to hear from you.

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