David Brown launched their Implematic range of tractors in December 1959. The first model introduced was the 950 Implematic. The 950 replaced the troublesome blue and red David Brown 900. Like all of the Implematic models, it sported an attractive currant red and primrose yellow livery.

The David Brown 950 Implematic can be distinguished from its standard 950 predecessor by its curvaceous dash and a slightly different bonnet. It has side extensions to carry the Implematic decals.

The key feature of the Implematic system was that it could cater for implements with and without a depth-wheel using a depth control mechanism. The system worked very well and was an excellent selling point at the time.

The David Brown 950 was powered by a 42.5hp four-cylinder diesel engine mated to a six-speed high/low gearbox. A rare petrol variant was also available.

The 950 had independent footbrakes, a new recirculating ball-type steering mechanism and a full lighting kit as standard features. Livedrive was an optional extra and was denoted by a Livedrive badge on the tractor’s front grille.

The David Brown 850, 880 and 990 tractors were added to the Implematic range in 1961. The 35hp 850 was essentially a smaller 950 fitted with 28in as opposed to 32in rear wheels. The Oliver tractor company sold the 850 and 950 tractors for David Brown in America, rebadged as the Oliver 500 and 600 respectively. The Oliver variants were painted white and green, and had a restyled front grille.

The David Brown 880 Implematic was initially fitted with the same four-cylinder diesel engine as the 950. This was replaced by an easy-starting and more economical three-cylinder unit in late 1964.

The flagship model of David Brown’s Implematic range was now the 950’s successor, the 990. This tractor was powered by a 52.5hp diesel engine. Some 40,600 versions of the David Brown 990 were sold between 1961 and 1965.

Higher tractor

The 990 was a higher tractor and can be distinguished by a rounded as opposed to square front chassis. The air filter is located behind the front grilles as opposed to on the left-hand side of the engine.

The David Brown 990 Implematic featured a stronger back-end and a larger clutch than its predecessor. Early David Brown 990s had two six-volt batteries housed in the cross-boxes either side of the driver’s seat. The later models were fitted with one 12-volt battery located in front of the engine’s radiator.

As a result, the bonnet on post-August 1963 models is 2in longer. A 12-speed transmission was also offered as an optional extra on the 990 from this date.

The launch of the 770 Selectamatic in 1965 marked the end of the Implematic and red era of David Brown tractors. Only 1,831 of these 36hp models were manufactured before the new orchid white range of David Browns was introduced in October 1965.

More DVDs from CMC

CMC has four new DVDs for this season and you’ll see them at vintage events across the country. The DVDs are Blueforce, The Gathering at Fingal, Home to Castleblayney Vintage Rally and Air Farming based on farming in Australia.

The Castleblayney Vintage Rally includes video footage of the silage making event held last year by the Border Counties Vintage Grassmen’s Club. Ireland’s most famous country and western singer Big Tom brought his Massey Ferguson 35 and Wuffler to the event.

The Blue Force club video celebrates the working demonstration of Ford and Fordson tractors on David Rodgers’ farm in Ballyboughal, Co Dublin, on 9 March 2013.

Originally planned for the 9 February, the Irish representatives of the Blue Force club were forced to cancel for one month until 9 March due to the very wet weather.

Participants included tractors from Cork as well as a large contingent from North of Ireland. Several Blue Force committee members from the England had travelled over including chairman Jamie Shaw-Brown, David Leech, along with Peter Plehov and Phil Gibson, who had the extensive range of Blue Force merchandise at hand.

The DVDs are available on the CMC website, www.cmccuntry.com, or by telephone on 028/048-79650060.

David Brown panel replacements

QTP based in Mullingar has replacement lower chin panels for David Brown 990 and 996 4-cylinder tractors. The part number is 52648 and it retails at €45.35/£39.00 from stocking dealers across the country. You can check out your local dealer on www.qtponline.com or by ringing 044-9341638.