All 132 pages of this David Brown 885 Operator Manual (OEM #9-5206/ExUK) are built around one goal: keeping your 885 and 885N tractors running the way David Brown intended. You get a complete walkthrough of the Selectamatic hydraulic system, from Depth Control and Height Control to operating with external equipment via the 3-Way Valve. Inside: a structured maintenance schedule stepping through Service Tasks A to E covering 60, 125, 250, 500, and 1000-hour intervals, a daily inspection checklist, and approved lubricant specifications. Confirm engine rated speed at 1800 r/min and put the transmission oil on the 50-100 hour change cycle before your next field day. Your tractor is not a guessing game. Bookmarked and keyword-searchable; open any section on your tablet and get back to work.
What's Inside This David Brown 885, 885N Operator Manual
| System | Pages | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Points | 2-3 | Foot Brake Pedals, PTO Driven Implements, Engine, Steering, Drawbar, Pick-Up Hitch |
| Introduction | 4-8 | Operation, Regular Maintenance, Safety, 885 Tractor, Maintenance Routines |
| First Service | 9-10 | Fuel Filter Element, Engine Oil, Transmission Gearbox, Final Drive Reduction Housing, Cylinder Head Bolts, Valve Clearances |
| Description and Operation, General | 11-25 | Instrument Panel, Levers and Pedals, Synchromesh Transmission, Starting and Stopping the Engine, Seat |
| The Selectamatic Hydraulic System | 26-43 | Trailed Implements, Selectamatic Controls, Operating with Depth Control, Operating with Height Control, Operating with Depth Wheel |
| Adjustments and Settings | 44-63 | Linkage Settings, Stabilisers, Drawbar, Pick-Up Hitch, Wheels and Axles (Front Track Adjustment, Rear Track Adjustment, Tyre Pressures, Ballast), Power Take-Off |
| Regular Maintenance | 64-72 | Table of Routine Service Tasks, Daily Inspection, Lubrication Chart, Service Task a, Service Task B, Service Task C, Service Task D, Service Task E |
| Engine | 73-84 | Air Cleaner, Cooling System, Fan Belt Adjustment, Fuel Storage |
| Chassis | 85-132 | Lubrication, Front Axle, Front Hub, Transmission and Hydraulic System |
Quick Reference Specifications
| Specification | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Oil Service Interval | 50-100 hours | p. 9 |
| Engine Rated Speed | 1800 r/min | p. 15 |
David Brown 885, 885N Common Problems This Manual Covers
David Brown 885 three-point linkage lifts too slowly or will not raise at all p. 26
Check hydraulic oil level at the sight glass before attaching implements. Verify the Selectamatic control levers are positioned correctly per the operating guide on page 26. Confirm transmission and hydraulic oil was changed at the 50-100 hour service interval on page 9; bedding-in contaminants in stale oil reduce lift responsiveness.
Manual Section: The Selectamatic Hydraulic SystemEngine won't start or cranks slowly on cold mornings despite a full fuel tank p. 15
Check the fuel shutoff valve is open and the throttle is at the correct starting position. Follow the cold-start procedure on page 15 and allow the glow plugs to complete their full pre-heat cycle before cranking. Verify the fuel filter was replaced at the 50-100 hour first service on page 9; a restricted filter worsens cold-start conditions.
Manual Section: Description and Operation, GeneralWarning light on instrument panel stays on or flickers after engine warms up p. 11
Identify the active light using the instrument panel diagram on page 11. Check coolant level in the radiator and hydraulic oil at the sight glass on the transmission housing. If the oil pressure warning stays illuminated at normal operating speed of 1800 r/min, shut the engine down immediately and verify sump level before restarting.
Manual Section: Description and Operation, GeneralAuxiliary hydraulic ports not powering external motor or rotating implement in wrong direction p. 33
Check the three-way valve setting and auxiliary port connections on page 33 before starting work. Verify the Selectamatic control is in the correct mode for your external implement type. Run the engine at rated speed of 1800 r/min when operating auxiliary hydraulics. If the motor turns the wrong way, swap the two hydraulic hose connections.
Manual Section: The Selectamatic Hydraulic SystemPTO shaft spinning but implement running at wrong speed or not engaging fully p. 44
Verify the PTO engagement lever and speed selector are set to the correct position for your implement on page 44. Confirm the engine is running at 1800 r/min rated speed before engaging PTO, as this directly determines implement output speed. Check the PTO driveshaft guard is fitted correctly and the spline connection is fully locked in.
Manual Section: Adjustments and SettingsMissed service intervals or unsure when transmission and hydraulic oil change is due p. 64
Follow the routine service task table on page 64 to identify all maintenance intervals. For any tractor under 100 hours, drain and refill the transmission and hydraulic system oil at the 50-100 hour bedding-in service on page 9 first, then resume the standard schedule. Check the lubrication chart for the correct fluid grades.
Manual Section: Regular MaintenanceFrequently Asked Questions
How to reset the hydraulic filter on David Brown 885?
After changing the hydraulic filter, the hydraulic system should be vented to reset it. This is done by running the engine at minimum idling speed for thirty seconds with the hydraulic control lever in the lower position. This procedure ensures proper operation after filter replacement.
What is the cylinder head nut torque specification for the David Brown 885?
For cylinder head tightening on the David Brown 885, new nuts should be torqued to 100lb/ft (13.8kg/m or 136Nm). Old nuts require a torque of 90lb/ft (12.4kg/m or 122Nm).










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