1951 David Bradley- Repair, Startup and Plowing Snow

Repair and startup of a '51 DB I picked up a few months back. Nice clean piece with the original Briggs Model 8 engine.
Colin_583 / @colin_5839

[@Eric-fv4jx]

I watched this video about a year or so ago about the time I started collecting all things walk behind. I now have twenty of these tractors in various condition. They are the workhorses of yesterday. I really enjoy working on the vintage machines. You do some great videos and I enjoy your talent.

[@RayBenson45]

Love the longer videos there usually more detailed which in my opinion is great for learning. Great work.👍👍

[@5Tractorguy]

Thanks Ray! Guess I won't have to limit myself on time as much on the next!

[@billbray8797]

No need to apologize for long videos. As for me I enjoy the longer and in-depth videos. Glad to watch any video you produce.

[@5Tractorguy]

Appreciate that Bill!

[@adnacraigo6590]

I liked that you got the original engine running instead of replacing it

[@davidpayne2880]

I bought one just like yours but the cultivator hooked up underneath and had roller running on a round formed rod. It had a homemade wood push blade with a steel cutting edge. It was angled to the right and he had made a wing on the right side to keep the crushed road rock from wind rowing as he built his driveway. I used it to clean the snow from our driveway and sidewalk. When the snow got deep I put the machine on top of the bank and cut it down pushing it to the right into the yard.

[@5Tractorguy]

That's what this one had, similar cultivator with the rollers and such. That must be a heck of a unit with a wing plow on the side... but if you have enough weight on the wheels, no doubt the thing will push!

[@tattoo62]

I love the tire tread patern b nice to see new tires with that pattern

[@Renaissance.Center]

A lots of fun and informative. Always good to learn to something new.

[@5Tractorguy]

Glad you enjoyed Dan.

[@GrahamFamilyFarmNW]

Nice David Bradley. Ours is missing the hood. We were told the by the grandson of the original owner that his grandfather put a bigger engine on it and the hood would not fit.

[@jamessmith7691]

I modified a smaller coil to fit a bigger motor by grinding the armature to conform to the larger flywheel. Still working. Good video.

[@5Tractorguy]

Hmm, good idea James. That would work for outfitting an engine who original coil is NLA.

[@wilhelm_iron2359]

I have one of these we pulled out of my great- grandpas barn. It get run every time I go home from college, and when I move out its going to be my main snow plow. They're really fun machines and easy to work on

[@5Tractorguy]

That's cool that it'll stay in the family! Very simplistic rigs to run and maintain. Outta serve you just fine!

[@wilhelm_iron2359]

@@5Tractorguy Yeah, I love the thing! It and a 1962 Cub Cadet we pulled out of the same barn are my workhorses. Though the Cub is proving much harder to get running

[@davidfist7801]

I've always been kinda fascinated by those things. My grandpa had one. I'd like to get one if I ever get the opportunity.

[@5Tractorguy]

Live anywhere close to New England, David? I just brought home 6 more on Monday! At least 2 will need to find new homes come spring...

[@danielhelmes7275]

I love watching your repair videos especially when they're long.

[@5Tractorguy]

Seems to be the general consensus here, thanks Daniel!

[@danielhelmes7275]

@@5Tractorguy you're welcome

[@larrydavidson3402]

Nice to have you back on.

[@5Tractorguy]

Thanks Larry

[@georgem.kokindajr.941]

That’s a pretty good video. Thanks! I see when you were plowing that you need a reverse mechanism. It sure saves you back. Sometimes you can pick them up at the shows.

[@hoopoo3721]

The longer the video the better.

[@tattoo62]

The first 1 of them carbs i took apart i ruined that jet cause i had no idea. But had to buy new carb anyway which was cheap as heck on amazon for around 17 bucks. Worked great. The gaskets i had trouble finding. Have you ever been around a estate keeper. I csnt remember the brand now. I could use some electrical cant spell it but a scumatic bolans thats what it is. Damn that came hard but im gettin old.. hey great video. Love these walk behinds got a few. Bought 1 a few yrs ago simplicity has a few attachments for cultivating snd a sickle mower . Have a great day !!

[@itbigboy1984]

Glad to see you back! Some of us love the longer videos!

[@5Tractorguy]

Thanks Conrad

[@MrGoosePit]

Love your videos. The longer the better!!

[@5Tractorguy]

Thanks Goose!

[@reedbreneman9443]

Thank you SIR for this video! I miss your videos ,They are great and very well done .I know your busy but post when you can! This video came in at a great time as I am also working on a David Bradley just like yours so THANK YOU!!!!

[@5Tractorguy]

Your welcome Reed! Slowly been rearranging my personal/work schedule some so I can begin making videos again... Well I do hope this helps ya out a bit! With any luck you got one that hasn't been too modified or changed over the years.

[@tattoo62]

I love these old walk behinds. There horses..

[@toddthompson3043]

Great video and the length of the video is great

[@5Tractorguy]

Thanks Todd!

[@jakebob5101]

Nice to see it still has the tag on the dozer blade. A lot times those are missing.

[@cesargallo7424]

Glad you're back Jake!

[@5Tractorguy]

Thanks Cesar!

[@randyrhodes7526]

I have a DB in my collection of 12 walk behind tractors.

[@mattthescrapwhisperer]

Sweet little tractor!

[@colin_5839]

Thanks for the shout out Jake! Already gained a lot of new faces over at my channel and it's only been an hour or 2 since you posted it! Glad to see you got it running! Such a neat little machine! Looks like it's got some power behind it too, especially for being such a small little engine on there! Based on what I can see from the video that engine seems to be a nice, well kept, and probably kinda low hours unit! Runs great too! Figures that the one time I make a big stink about pulling the pan it's totally clean inside LOL! That standard twin though... that one might be a different story! I have to look into those things a bit, they seem really neat, and if they have an oil pump that pan better come off LOL! Great to see another video from you again and looking forward to seeing and possibly making a few more with you when time allows! :)

[@boneyardgaragesmallenginer188]

Good stuff 👍🏻👍🏻

[@jimsmith9819]

nice tractor, good video

[@ronaldziehlke9720]

My dad had one of those David Bradleys while I was growing up on the farm in Northern Wisconsin, and it even had the original engine! It brings back some good memories.

[@5Tractorguy]

Glad it conjured up some good memories!

[@arthurwilliams1922]

Hey buddy its a video! Hope all is well. I really like them david bradleys I had to of them. But I still got my david bradley tri trac. They good machines

[@ryanmaitland1230]

These old Briggs, kohlers, and wisconsins are my favorite. Makes me want one of those now, that’s beyond cool.

[@5Tractorguy]

Start searchin'!

[@edp9743]

With the looks of the wear on the chains, Mr. Bradley earner his keep in the day. Nice save most would be serching the web for carb gaskets. One idea when cutting gaskets make a slight imprint of the od of the gasket , this will give a reference to locating the id.

[@localcrew]

There’s a picture somewhere of my dad using one of these on his parents’ property just post WW2 and it was probably about the same year as this machine. Pretty cool. Thanks for posting. 👍

[@5Tractorguy]

You bet localcrew... Old family photographs like that are neat if you find it again. We never had any equipment like this in our family back in the day, but I do have quite a few customers with their fathers, grandfathers machines that were passed down.

[@OldCarAlley]

Thats the nicest original David Bradley I have seen....... sounds great too.

[@5Tractorguy]

Lot of 'em got butched up over the years, at least around here.

[@OldCarAlley]

@@5Tractorguy Same here, I found one so butchered I did even realize it was a David Bradley. A friend has a nice original one, but the engine had been replaced at one time. It's the original type engine, but docent have the Sears tag, it's the basic Briggs tag.... He uses his to plow his drive in the winter..... he's owned it a good 40+ years.

[@GaryT1952]

Brilliant stuff Jake...fascinating, 70+ years old...that DB was a great find, glad it fell into the right hands!

[@5Tractorguy]

Appreciate it Gary! Nice addition to the collection no doubt.

[@jonathancrissinger2301]

I'm with everyone else, love the longer video and the detail. Please keep them coming. Take care.

[@5Tractorguy]

Thanks Jonathan

[@jonathancrissinger2301]

Maybe I have missed it somehow, but I'm still waiting for the next video. I miss watching your videos.

[@thecollectoronthecorner7061]

Just subscribed & liked. We have a few walking tractors. Gravely model L with brushhogg. A Choremaster single wheel that has the optonal cast iron wheel weight. A early Midland that has a sickle bar on front. and Just yeasterday I bought a later midland with a breaking plow. You video on the gravely was helpful to me.

[@thomasstewart9368]

Welcome back - good to see a good old repair video. Thanks 👍

[@5Tractorguy]

Thanks Thomas, you bet!

[@artszabo1015]

Great video Jake, and they are never too long. I may have to watch this one again while I am waiting for the next one. They are just too far apart. Art

[@5Tractorguy]

Thanks Art! Sounds like the longer duration is favored in the comments here.

[@terryraymond7984]

yes I have worked on later Briggs carbs like that on some 7 HP models that were used to drive siderow sprinklers

[@joshmindek4840]

What a neat machine! I've always loved how these looked but had never seen one in action.

[@5Tractorguy]

Ya know, they're aren't as hokey to run as I figured either. Watched plenty of videos of them on there and just never figured they were that great.

[@slade7354]

Great video! Don't mind the long ones when they are interesting. This fits the bill. Thanks!

[@5Tractorguy]

Thanks Roman, you bet!

[@AddictedtoProjects]

That airfilter housing could be very easily be turned out of Aluminum. Or you could perhaps 3D print it, using a filament that is not affected by hydrocarbons. Great and enjoyable video as always!! 😄

[@5Tractorguy]

Good idea! I do have a friend that runs a CNC lathe at a machine shop... Printing one up would be slick though (could start reproducing them that way).

[@n1ksf]

No need to apologize Jake, love your videos..👍

[@5Tractorguy]

Thanks!

[@ericcorse]

The previous owner really took care of that, pretty slick. It looks like it more comfortable to run for us taller folks.

[@5Tractorguy]

Sure is! I don't even have to bend over to hang onto the handles unlike the Gravely's.

[@larrydraper9544]

Great detailed information,I have Bolens which is Similar type tractor with rear cultivators,slickle bar mower,plow. Your Briggs engine is smooth as silk,slower running than new type gas engines. Great job and thank you.

[@5Tractorguy]

Thanks Larry, glad you enjoyed. Don't see too many of the Bolens walk behinds around here. Pretty neat machines! Bit of a different look too than the rest.

[@ericcoffedgp40]

Great job Jake! Those old DB tractors are handy, especially for clearing sidewalks!

[@5Tractorguy]

Thanks Eric, I can see where they'd make short work of that!

[@ericcoffedgp40]

@@5Tractorguy Sure thing!

[@dannyilaya8432]

Good to see you back, thanks heaps for the nice video

[@5Tractorguy]

Thanks Danny, glad you enjoyed.

[@d.pierce.6820]

Somehow this video popped up on my feed-I have what might be the twin of your machine-still in original paint, with the original engine, and a blade on the front. No wheel weights, but chains. mine runs just as nice, but I haven't plowed snow with it yet. I'm a subscriber now.

[@5Tractorguy]

Glad to know another one still survives in it's original state. Is your plow blade red being original? This one was brushed green, can see some orange/red-ish paint beneath though... Appreciate having you here Pierce!

[@d.pierce.6820]

@@5Tractorguy yes, my blade is red (what paint still remains) but it seems to be a bit more orange than the color of the hood. When I got mine, the guy had two more, but they had late-model Briggs engines in them, with hoods that were cut to accomodate them. I got the one that was all original.

[@johnfonda985]

Great video!! you're fine everybody seems to be doing 30 minutes to an hour videos. Love it

[@5Tractorguy]

Thanks John! Seems to be a good general consensus here with the longer video!

[@livingwithinyourgreens3887]

That is a cool tractor and, as always, I sure enjoy your videos.

[@5Tractorguy]

Thank you!

[@davidshipulski4532]

Wasnt too long at all! I liked it! Great video as well nice pick!

[@5Tractorguy]

Thanks David!

[@DadsDriveway]

Looks to be both well taken care of and low hours on that machine. Nice find for sure.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

That's a neat rig! Glad you got it and got it going. I had one with an old Briggs but not as old and bigger that the old sawmiller got hold of, took bed rails and made a frame and but a seat and a set of wheels on it BUT took some old spider gears from an old log truck rear end and made steering gears too BUT it steered BACKWARDS! You were fine till you got close to something and you'd run over it every time. Talking about FUN! I can still hear the screams and crashes it caused. Don't get your hands cold or some of those groupies of yours will try and warm them back up. Pick on and THANKS and more snow maybe this weekend! GBWYall!

[@5Tractorguy]

That must've been one heck of a contraption! Sounds like a little bit of tarheel ingenuity if you ask me Lewie... A blast to drive around though I bet, unless an obstacle snuck up on ya. Say, I wouldn't mind some assistance warming back up haha. You betcha Lewie!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@5Tractorguy The old logger/sawyer could make anything. His grandson is running the mill and he's the same way. Pick on, Jake and GBWYall!

[@andylong6589]

i have one with the same plow. need to get it going

[@briggsfh]

Wicked cool bro !!

[@5Tractorguy]

'Preciate it James!

[@alexandermcquiggin4414]

Glad to see another great video!

[@5Tractorguy]

Thanks Alex!

[@WH32R]

The model 8 looks very similar to the 8r6 on my early 40s Bolens Power-Ho

[@DC_PRL]

now I want one! very cool having that with the blade..I looked around my area, most units are rusted out and crap. People leave them outside to die, :/

[@5Tractorguy]

We've got a few around here for sale like that, and for tall money too! Sunk into the ground, no hood, etc. Keep your eyes peeled, a good one will turn up!

[@DC_PRL]

@@5Tractorguy i will, i love that retro look. better than Gravely.

[@billywatson8931]

You said that you wanted to plow with the tractor, then you will need the saddle bar attachment back on in order for the plow to work. The cultivator frame is one of the most useful implements for this tractor, If you can get one called a southern cultivator, the extra heavy piece is strong enough to handle a middle buster plow. and you can use a lot of the old horse drown parts on it ,sweeps, hillers, weeders, ect. you can even make some of your own.potatos

[@chrisssmallengines7163]

I wish the quality that was obviously important back then was as important today . A70 year old machine that runs like it is band new wow . I find the machines today are disappointing , poor materials and designs . Too much plastic , and thin sheet metal and thin castings to save money . That is why we have to preserve the good machines from the past , made to be serviced and rebuilt to last along time . All my machines are older and run great . Not as old as yours be still worth saving . Thanks for taking the time .

[@5Tractorguy]

The new stuff is terrible. We've had a couple small engines places close around here recently. Talking to the guys that ran them they said it was getting worse and worse to service/repair the new equipment. Being built so cheaply, mind as well just toss it. Downright shame. Keep that old iron going!! Just about anything from the late 80's early 90's and back was still well built.

[@victoryfirst2878]

Hello Jake, I can tell you that using Teflon gasket material is the cats meow. Last forever unless you are just rough handling the item. I just love the old carbs which are just cool. This style engine was so simple and rugged engine. You scored an A plus for solid and clean engine. The shroud is one of the cleanest I have seen in a while. You are a real lucky fella Jake finding something so clean. Please tell me why these David Bradley are so popular machines ??? Thanks and have a great day too. VF

[@5Tractorguy]

Hey Vic, Haven't thought of using teflon for gaskets, not a bad idea! Would say so, just glad this one was taken care of and kept in a garage for all those years. Not sure? I think they were the "poor mans" Gravely or Simplicity of the day. Sold by Sears and Roebuck so more than likely they were more cost effective to buy. Good for small farms and cultivating though with the high ground clearance so that might've been a good selling point.

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@5TractorguyThank you for the information tp put under my hat. Good luck with your endeavors Jake. Look forward to your videos. Peace Vic

[@MrNosajwhitey]

These old machines that are kept well may look a bit crusty on the outside but are near new still inside

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

My Grandpa had one of those , My dad up and sold it after he dies for 50 bucks ! It was all Original with good paint ..

[@5Tractorguy]

Dang! Too bad you couldn't've gotten your hands on it!

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

@@5Tractorguy I did get a bunch of Grandpa's old tools after Dad passed and several engines . But that old Bradley was nice . Never knew he sold it till I saw it gone.

[@Stevestractoradventures]

Sounds great, nice work. Seen the DB's never have played with them. Buddy of mine not to far off has both gravely and DB's. Kinda have seen enough to not be me lol

[@5Tractorguy]

Thanks Steve. My first choice will always be the Gravely no doubt haha. But I can see where these would be good for real light duty stuff.

[@ryanmckee2089]

Nice video. I just am finishing up my model 5752 DB that I added reverse to. Hoping to plow snow if we ever get any, and put a garden out with it. I also have a model 57599 super power DB that’ll be my next project. I’m having trouble getting my throttle cable right. I’ve yet to find a video that shows it attached anywhere. I ran mine through the handle but it doesn’t move anything on the engine side. Can you make a video showing that hook up and the linkages and springs on the carb? It’d be immensely helpful.

[@phil6012]

For the case/oilpan, I'd use ThreeBond 1194 or Yamabond-4. I stopped using RTV where it comes into constant contact with oil because most of it is acetoxy cure which is corrosive to metals and does not have very good petroleum resistance.

[@5Tractorguy]

I'll have to look into that Phil... thanks! May be a good item to add to my service truck as well.

[@timeflysintheshop]

Well I can see why the engine was usually replaced! I think everyone put a bigger engine on it!

[@FullMetalFab]

I picked up a Briggs model 8 with a water pump over the last winter, rod was broken and tried to bust a hole in the block but its fixable.

[@5Tractorguy]

Nothing a little braze or Ni rod can't fix on that block. Heard these 8's are a bit tough to find parts for, but I heard there are a couple guys around the US that stock/sell a lot of older NOS parts.

[@FullMetalFab]

@@5Tractorguy I have a NOS con rod book marked on Ebay and on the hunt for a head gasket but the brazing is most likely what I'll be doing to fix the block.

[@user-yd2md4fp8v]

👍

[@davidschweikhart459]

Maybe, just maybe, you could have someone print a new Air Cleaner for you. They're doing some very extraordinary things with parts printers these days.

[@5Tractorguy]

Never even thought about that!! Those 3D printers can do some pretty nifty stuff now a days. There's a couple people I can check with in regards to that, going to have to ask around now.

[@GrandWagJeep]

You could also look at vacuum forming. That shape lends itself to the process, and since yours is intact, you could easily turn it into the mold.

[@johnhines1121]

I echo everyone saying -the longer the better (because you speak with great instructive pace and don’t tangent!). Apologies if I missed it in he comments, but where you order gaskets and parts? I heard you say “Rotor?”

[@5Tractorguy]

Hey John, finally getting around to comments... Noted! And thank you! I can't stand the ranting and yammering in others repair videos now-a-days, probably why I don't watch my YT anymore. As for the parts, I'm a distributor for Rotary aftermarket parts (you have to be a biz to purchase from, they're a wholesaler), same with Stens, A&I Products, Maple Grove (they went out of biz last year), and so on.

[@SamuelEnyeart-xk9jf]

What was the website you said you get your gaskets from, rotary? Also can you find new or reman parts for these?

[@tolbaszy8067]

Nice machine! Very thoughtful and organized video! Is there an angle adjustment on the plow? Thanks!

[@5Tractorguy]

Thanks Tolba! There is, that string that runs from the handlebars down under the machine (might not be visible in video) is hooked to the latch that angles the blade.

[@tolbaszy8067]

@@5Tractorguy Watching this again I had a thought about making that leather packing- if you lightly emboss the leather with the OD punch first, then it is easier to center the smaller punch for the first hole and you will already have the mark for the final cut.

[@treefrog2299]

Yeah that's what I've been looking for for a couple years so if I find one what would be the good price for it can you let me know

[@outtatime4512]

$100-500 depending on rarity, condition and attachments

[@rickhall4318]

Great video! I recently saw a similar yard tractor, it looks like the DB you're using but I swear it said Gravely, have I lost my mind? Do you know of any DB clubs or organizations? I'm infatuated with DB's now. Thanks for a great video!

[@5Tractorguy]

You haven't, Gravely's are a thing! I'm big into those myself... I don't know of any DB clubs though aside from online forums and whatnot. Which if that's the case, this is a prime opportunity to start the first one!

[@timeflysintheshop]

That would look cool with two round chrome headlights and a hood ornament! 😀. Is there no reverse on it?

[@5Tractorguy]

No reverse unfortunately! I heard that they could have reverse though.

[@outtatime4512]

Some later models have reverse

[@ethanhartman3831]

Do you use a zinc additive to your oil for the older engines

[@5Tractorguy]

Can't say I do. I buy Gulf 10W-30 diesel grade in 5gal buckets that had more wear additive than conventional 10W-30. Even in the past though, never had any issues.

[@outtatime4512]

I just ran across a post on this last nite. Now Ive got to rethink my whole life. 😜

[@terryraymond7984]

Hey can you show youre glass bead blaster please?

[@davidcockes8092]

Where can I get a original David Bradley pull rope and handle?

[@keavinclark4859]

Will this push dirt

[@dwconfer]

Can you still get parts? If so where? Thanks

[@bigDbigDbigD]

Is there not a reverse gear? I love long tractor videos.

[@5Tractorguy]

Nope, no reverse... though I heard it can be added. Thanks!

[@tommyt2854]

Fascinating, and thanks for posting. I'm shopping for a walk behind now. From what I could see (zero personal experience), Bradley's don't have reverse. Do they have gears otherwise, or not necessary? I hope to mow, push snow, and add a sulky and cart for grandkids. If you've got any advice I'm all ears. Thanks.

[@5Tractorguy]

I believe some came with reverse as an option, but I'd have to double check. Just a single forward gear though, apparently that's all that was needed. Look into the Gravely walk behinds when you get a chance. Either the L or C models, or the later commercial models with the Kohler engine. Don't know where you're located, but they are pretty plentiful still and attachments can be had fairly easy. Plenty of parts still being produced for them still as well. That would be your best bet, after them, Simplicity, Bolens, David Bradley, etc.

[@tommyt2854]

@@5Tractorguy thanks.

[@BillyTpower]

how is it that it had good spark but have a bad condenser? And how the heck did you diagnose it rather than the coil? (I would have chased my tail all day because it had good spark)

[@5Tractorguy]

The spark will still be visible, but it'll be intermittent or weak. Initially I leaned through trial and error on an Onan CCKA. Chased a bad spark for a couple hours... Changed the condenser- fixed! So now I check plug, plug wires, points, condenser, coil in that order.

[@BillyTpower]

@@5Tractorguy ah ic thanks for responding.

[@kensnyder9372]

What size is the GMC engine you got setting there ?

[@5Tractorguy]

305 V6. Goes in my '64 pickup 3/4ton. There's videos of it on the channel from 2015 or so. Went into business and didn't have time to finish the resto (yet).

[@hutsonfarm5818]

What spark plug are you using

[@5Tractorguy]

Either a Champion J8C, H10C, J19LM or CJ8. The original that was in it was toast, forgot that I put in it's place... one of those 4.

[@arthurwilliams1922]

What kind of leather is good for them packings?

[@5Tractorguy]

Regular ol' cowhide leather is fine.

[@arthurwilliams1922]

@@5Tractorguy thank buddy

[@NatePerzanoski]

Long videos are better! Has kind of a mustie1 vibe!

[@5Tractorguy]

Haha noted! Longer videos seem to be in favor here!

[@kensnyder9372]

You need a smaller shop !

[@5Tractorguy]

Can you imagine!?

[@johndemeen5575]

Kind of cool, thanks, but would rather have my Ariens, and John Deere. Much easier. Thanks from.St. Paul Minnesota.

[@5Tractorguy]

Thanks John. Believe me, I would too! Much rather be running a Gravely or one of the WheelHorse's. DB's are neat, but a bit rudimentary.

[@kensnyder9372]

Yes i can : My cousin had 20 or 25 Farmall H tractors at one time , you talk about red paint geeze ........

[@tattoo62]

Check out this i just sent u i think youd like that machine. I would lovevto have it

[@delberthoffman7787]

💯 P-R-O-M-O-S-M!!!

[@lukeskywalker7566]

I have a similar engine on a large rotorvator/ cultivator and I haven't got round to getting it going as it belonged to my father but sadly he passed away a few years ago he had it from a farm he worked on when he was young so I will definitely get it going again cheers from the uk