All 146 pages of this David Brown 885 Operator Manual (OEM #9-5218) cover one machine: keeping your 885 and 885N Tractors running safely and on schedule. Inside, you get a full safety chapter covering ROPS maintenance, seat belts, PTO hazards, and battery handling, plus a complete walkthrough of the Selectamatic hydraulic system with hydraulic diagrams showing component layouts and connections for depth control, height control, and external valve configurations. Flip to the electrical chapter for wiring diagrams, fuse ratings, and alternator specs so you can trace a dead circuit without guessing. Set your clutch free play to 20-25mm and confirm the hydraulic valve unit holds pressure to 140 kg/cm² (2000 lb/sq in) before you head back to the field. Your machine is down. Get the factory answer on the first try. Bookmarked by section and keyword-searchable; pull it up on your tablet and walk straight to the tractor.
What's Inside This David Brown 885, 885N, 885/885N Tractor, 885 Tractor Operator Manual
| System | Pages | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | 8-10 | Manual Purpose, Safety Information, Tractor Features, Run-In Procedure, Tractor Identification, Engine Identification |
| Safety Rules | 11-24 | Spark Arresting System, Roll-Over Protective Structure, Seat Belts, ROPS Maintenance, Battery Safety, PTO Safety |
| Description and Operation - General | 25-38 | Instrument Panel, Levers and Pedals, Starting and Stopping the Engine, Seat Adjustments, Gear Selection, Differential Lock |
| The Selectamatic Hydraulic System | 39-54 | Trailed Implements, Selectamatic Controls, Operating with Depth Control, Operating with Height Control, Operating with Depth Wheel |
| Adjustments and Settings | 55-76 | Linkage Settings, Stabilisers, Drawbar, Wheels and Axles (Front Tread Adjustment, Rear Tread Adjustment), Pavt Wheels, Ballast, Power Take-Off, PTO Driven Implements |
| Regular Maintenance | 77-90 | Table of Routine Service Tasks, Daily Inspection, Lubrication Chart, Service Task a, Service Task B, Service Task C, Service Task D, Service Task E |
| Service Information | 91-126 | Hood Removal |
| Specifications | 127-146 | Glossary of Abbreviations, Accessories, Lighting Equipment, Chassis Dimensions, Engine Specifications, Performance Data |
Quick Reference Specifications
| Specification | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic pump maximum pressure | 140kg/cm² (2000lb/sq in) | p. 108 |
| Cylinder Head Tightening Torque (New Nuts) | 135 Nm | p. 105 |
| Clutch Free Play | 20 to 25mm | p. 116 |
David Brown 885, 885N, 885/885N Tractor, 885 Tractor Common Problems This Manual Covers
David Brown 885 hydraulic lift fails to raise trailing implements or drops rapidly under load p. 108
Test the Selectamatic hydraulic system pressure at the rear remotes. Verify the valve unit operates up to the maximum pressure of 140kg/cm² (2000lb/sq in) as shown on page 108. Check fluid levels and inspect the lift pump for signs of aeration or contamination.
Manual Section: Service InformationTransmission grinds when shifting gears or tractor continues creeping forward with pedal fully depressed p. 116
Measure the clutch free play at the pedal linkage. Slacken the locknut and adjust the stop until the free movement is exactly 20 to 25mm. Review page 116 for the precise linkage adjustment sequence to ensure smooth gear engagement during daily operation.
Manual Section: Service InformationEngine coolant leaking externally from block deck or compression bubbling into the radiator overflow p. 105
Inspect the cylinder head gasket sealing edges for visible coolant leaks. Check the cylinder head tightening torque sequence on page 105. Torque all new nuts precisely to 135 Nm using a calibrated wrench to prevent further combustion gas blow-by during heavy operation.
Manual Section: Service InformationFrequently Asked Questions
Torque specs for the engine head bolts on David Brown 885?
The engine head bolts should be tightened according to the sequence shown in Figure 5/17 on page 81. For old nuts, the torque specification is 122 Nm (90 lb/ft), and for new nuts, it is 135 Nm (100 lb/ft). It is important to check valve clearances after tightening the head.
How do I fix the hydraulic lift on a David Brown 885 that won't raise or drops under load?
Test the Selectamatic hydraulic system pressure at the rear remotes. Verify the valve unit operates up to the maximum pressure of 140kg/cm² (2000lb/sq in) as shown on page 108. Check fluid levels and inspect the lift pump for signs of aeration or contamination.
How do you adjust the clutch free play on a David Brown 885?
Measure the clutch free play at the pedal linkage. Slacken the locknut and adjust the stop until the free movement is exactly 20 to 25mm (page 116). This precise adjustment prevents transmission grinding and ensures smooth gear engagement during daily operation.
What cylinder head torque prevents coolant leaks on a David Brown 885?
Inspect the cylinder head gasket sealing edges for visible coolant leaks. Torque all new head nuts to 135 Nm using the tightening sequence shown on page 105. This prevents combustion gas blow-by and external coolant leaks during heavy operation.










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