Worthless to Workhorse- David Brown Tractor gets Long Overdue Service/ Repairs then back to work..

I bought this broken Vintage David Brown 990 Tractor for $500.
It had multiple issues- Air leak in fuel system, leaking hydraulic rams, leaky water pump, wobbly rear wheel, bent bucket ram, slow hydraulic steering, water in hydraulic oil....
In this vid I'll show you how I bought it back to life and fixed all those issues on a tight budget. I now have a solid reliable workhorse.
DIY log splitter/ round lifter build here- • How to make a log lift...
Parts from- agspares.co.nz

[@deercreekmechanical]

As a heavy equipment mechanic, your videos are so... soothing to me. Your calm relaxed nature just everything in general. You’re one of only a handful of channels I actually have notifications setup for and always eagerly await new videos.

[@morrisanderson818]

So true great watching him and his buddies work their magic

[@soggybottom3463]

In a world gone mad, watching a skilled mechanic work on this honest old machine, just magic. Blood pressure almost dropped to normal, many thanks!!!

[@spurgear4]

I made a ultrasonic cleaner once by using construction adhesive to glue an old sander to the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket. Boiling water and lysol works wonders on things like the screen you were cleaning. Just hang it by the handle when its running.

[@puirYorick]

This was ridiculously satisfying to watch. The old girl can serve for another half century with proper filters & fluid changes and decent maintenance.

[@user-jj7lo3sp2n]

Beyond satisfying! Hell, with the proper maintenance and even the proper storage, it can last a whole century! Built to work and last forever. I like seeing old tractors as decoration, but I like it even more when I see them put to work.

[@flhusa1]

always love when a plan comes together.

[@flhusa1]

@Papi Kink I NEVER REALLY WATCHED THE A TEAM

[@flhusa1]

@Papi Kink I thought that's where I heard it when you said that. Like I said I never watched very much but I always like Mr. T.

[@alanorion1]

Papi

[@michaelfoort2592]

It never ceases to amaze me how simple servicing can make such a huge difference in how machines run.

[@davidhandyman7571]

When I was a teenager, my parents brought a farm in the south east of NSW Australia. They also purchased a brand new 1967 David Brown 990. It had large wheel weights in the back wheels and the wheels were turned out so the tractor was almost as wide as long. It had a heavy duty under-slung dozer blade and we armour plated the sides of the engine to stop sticks from doing any damage. Dad also moved the air intake to be behind the exhaust to protect it from tree branches. It was the largest and most powerful tractor in the area. A truly great tractor and we used to slide it around the sides of the hills keeping an eye out for rabbit holes on the downhill side and rocks on the top side. Ah, memories!

[@kitten_processing_inc4415]

You know that now whenever I'm doing mechanical and electrical stuff I talk to myself out loud in a NZ accent. I find it lends me confidence :)

[@benjefferson726]

Let me use this opportunity and medium to intoduce to you engineer Ben jefferson This guy is really a freaking monster and genius he was once an engineer with DEUTZ FAHR,FENDT AND CLAAS TRACTORS expert in all kind of tractor repair, saless services application maintenace loan fun facts about tractors how to choose the tractors thats right for you insurance of all kind of tractors like GARDEN TRACTORS INDUSTRIAL TRACTORS ORCHARD TYPE TRACTOR ROW CROP TRACTORS UTILITY TRACTORS ROTARY TILLERS IMPLEMENT CARRIER TRACTORS etc if you need help in any area contact him **[e-mail]** wattapp on **[phone]** he has over 15years working exprience a trial will convince you. An experience and relationship you will ever cherish.

[@meirionevans5137]

The background noises are great, kids playing, sheep bleating, birds singing, and only one plane. Great life, good luck.

[@enterBJ40]

Totally agree. No other channel has such great SFX

[@johnnyxl5760]

Great video Marty, brings back good memories I joined David Browns in Meltham Huddersfield UK from school as a apprentice in the 70s, worked there for 20years in all departments. She will serve you another 50yrs after that service they were built to last.. the good old days

[@zsozso411]

Brilliant job! It’s refreshing to see a mechanic that’s not swearing all the time like myself…

[@michaellynskey7124]

This chap from New Zealand everything he does he does it to his best ability and what I’ve seen that’s the way to accomplish reliability with all his equipment, Great show.🇮🇪

[@patlilburn5251]

Just wanted to applaud the production values here - every time I see a “drive by” shot or one showing you using the splitter or other tool (eg., sawing up trees) I think about time taken to place a camera and then edit its footage, when you’re actually trying to get work done. Ditto time you save us by speeding up the film. I’m just saying it’s easy for us viewers to forget it takes a lot of planning to get the interesting informative videos where we’re looking over your shoulder. Excellent work!

[@zephyrold2478]

I second that.

[@aceadman]

Agreed!!

[@truthislam6481]

I heartily agree! I really enjoyed the special shots, created I think by Marty's friend, during the grader work on the 4 mile/6 kilometre driveway!

[@joerodrigues3816]

You are an amazing person at what you do love it mate thanks for sharing.

[@boneshaker6819]

I used to work in Meltham, West Yorkshire when DB tractors were still being made. At that time the fields around Meltham were covered in 1000’s of fully built tractors waiting to be sold or shipped to central France awaiting government subsidies for sale all over the world. It was quite an impressive sight!

[@mrrustygray]

This could easily be a TV channel. I cannot even fathom the amount of knowledge in his head.

[@raymondpetrovits2336]

She purrs like a kitten. I think your new David Brown is enjoying the much needed attention. You are meticulous and thorough. I enjoy seeing you work through every problem.

[@mfc4591]

That Tractor was shocked to get all the attention and new oil and filters. Ingenious way to deal with a dead tree. Few professionals like you are left in the mechanical world. I bet the young guys today have no idea how to take a water pump apart. Really enjoyed seeing you attend to this old tractor, reminds me of better days gone by

[@Jagermonsta]

I'm almost 40, my eldest brother is in his 60's - he was shocked that I knew how to do my own maintenance and build things from timber. But then I'm almost 40 so I dunno if I count as 'young' anymore :D

[@MegaDirtyberty]

@@Jagermonsta I am nearing my 50's and all my life I have done my own maintenance, never having much money has meant I had to.

[@Jagermonsta]

@@MegaDirtyberty aside from enjoying it, that's a huge motivator for me too

[@somanyfountains]

@@Jagermonsta am 42, was going to comment us younguns know how to do this stuff, but then realized maybe not young... lol tho, youtube helps us a lot these days

[@gheice_modelism]

I was watching the latest Q&A video from Watch Wes Work. Someone asked what country he would visit, and he said: “New Zealand, I would track down Marty T and go fix stuff together”. So... Make it happen!!! Cheers from Iceland!!

[@MartyT]

He seems like a good dude

[@MrChassmith]

@@MartyT Check out Diesel Creek on YT...a kindred spirit.

[@2nickles647]

Wes is a fine mechanic like you Marty

[@sirrick59]

Hi Marty T. I'm also in NZ, and my first job after leaving High School was in Hart Motors Tractor shop, in Bay Road, Invercargill. WE were a David Brown / Case dealership, and the 990 was a very common tractor to work on. That was back in the mid to late 1970s. At the time, I was the "Parts Boy", but I learned an awful lot about how things worked when I was there. 45 years down the track, I am one of those guys that people, especially work-mates. bring stuff to to have fixed. Love your style. Very similar to mine. Cheers

[@blxtothis]

Never thought I’d enjoy watching a bloke working on an old Aston Martin so much!

[@charlesking617]

The last chap seemed to only change the oil filter; even then he put the valve in backwards. It is only fitting that you ride in style with a new seat after bringing the servicing and repairs up to date. It was also gratifying to see you made Mr. Brown earn his keep after all the cost and work of fixing its components. Great bargain added to the fleet!

[@dylantrinder1571]

I reckon the old girl will give you years of service now she's had a bit of TLC Marty. Nice job.

[@darkestbeforedawn8130]

As an American, what I notice is the pace he works at...not rushing the job and taking the time to fix things properly. I was raised in Alaska where you can't just go down the street to the parts store you fix what you got with what you have and wait and pray the stuff you did order comes fast and is the right part!

[@trevorstewart8]

New Zealand is much the same. We are considered remote by Northern Hemisphere manufacturers and our population is too small for major stocking levels and so parts are often aftermarket duplicates, or we research the part and see what other brands use that same unit, which might still be in production.

[@whataguy7032]

Marty, I have so much respect for what you do with these old machines. When they are properly cared for they will last much longer than machines manufactured today and are more dependable because of their simplicity. Thank you. Your videos never disappoint us.

[@danbeardshear1356]

wow that hydraulic fluid looks like it had a lot of water in it . i liked the chain and arm you added to the splitter back saver i bet

[@MartyT]

My best invention yet ;)

[@bbm0dun17]

Yeah that is some absolute brilliance.

[@briansilver3412]

@@MartyT Can you do a video on that round lifter please? That is brilliant and if that is a Marty original even better!

[@paulwomack5866]

@@briansilver3412 Already done. Search for it

[@briansilver3412]

@@paulwomack5866 Thanks!

[@andystevens7557]

That was 33 minutes of pure relaxation

[@smoke-mirrors]

These poor old workhorses have such a tough life, it’s great that you buy them a nice drink and extend their lives. They’ll probably thank you with years of trouble free service. Great job!

[@random007nadir]

I've never seen so many dessert toppings in one tractor. Chocolate fudge, caramel, *and* maple syrup.

[@buffsheeri]

you are so right

[@geraldswain3259]

I wouldn't think that hydrolic or trans oil has ever been changed .

[@sent3811]

Cobbler too

[@tinytowntouring4038]

Blue berries would be nice 😀 Please, do not stop, this old fart is enamoured to know there are some who actually not only, think for them self, yet take the time and effort to teach others 👍 Awesome sauce bro, shared on fbi book 😀 Thank you 👍 🐝 ... p.s. son of Rambo needs more screen time 💃 😀

[@orion7353]

Why would you relate them like that, and why does it sound so right? 🤮😂

[@lehen1013]

Need to weld up a grill guard to protect the radiator from trees when winching them up.

[@ThePreyMantas]

I was thinking that myself....

[@cissysprinkle8005]

loved the way the sheep shouted yeah when the pin went home at 13:51 excellent video.

[@BarnStangz]

Marty, can you imagine if this machine could talk, or if it could show some emotions right now? It would be crying with happiness that someone like you, is giving it a second lease on life. Bravo man!

[@davidduffy2046]

Nice to see a real mechanic at work, rather than a parts replacer

[@robvanza]

David Brown has never sounded so good!! I'm doing the sign!! Sending it asap!! Loved the video!! Growing up I used to travel with my dad as he went to the different farms fixing tractors and all kinds of things!! Great memories!

[@lennonwhitehead1352]

These are the most satisfying videos known to the internet.

[@uramalakia]

MacGyver was a childhood hero of mine. Your videos take me back to a simpler time. EDIT: All that's missing is the theme song.

[@1814Custom]

She really needed some love.. I like watching this kind of stuff, makes me happy to se old stuff getting a new chance at life. Well done.

[@oghamstone5964]

Such a clever guy, uses your mind, works things out and does stuff. Such a great role model. . 👍👌💪

[@briananthony4044]

and never seems to get flustered!

[@charlesangell_bulmtl]

@@briananthony4044 That's the key.

[@corydriver7634]

It’s amazing with the amount of crud in the hydraulic system that enough fluid was able to circulate and the system worked at all. Nice work bringing this old girl back to life.

[@bigdumbguy]

Thank you. I wish machines were still made that well and that more young people knew how to maintain good equipment.

[@jamesb1221222]

I'm amazed that poor machine could even move. Great work keeping another one out of the scrapper.. or rotting way on someone's property

[@oldeebutgoodee]

That face , when it started. Love it. I was grinning as well.

[@redmanreality6243]

I love how you show people how it doesn't matter how the machine looks or how old it is, a little tlc goes a long way to get them working as they should and keeps them running and working for years to come even on a budget. And that no matter the age of condition of the machine the maintenance and repairs is done right with attention to the details.

[@dominocweber9763]

@Marty T this is so cool! I think your channel needs to be called “if i can’t fix it, it is not broken”

[@davidaylsworth8964]

As an apprentice millwright I got the job of rehabilitating hydraulic rams and I bloody hated the jobs. It taught me patience and forbearance as well as how to deal with the more unglamorous tasks. Watching this video was a nostalgic trip to that place in my earlier working life. It was quite rewarding in a way to watch your adventure it getting this lovely old machine back into good order. Good on you mate!

[@reviewaccount469]

I'm amazed as hell that thing ran with those fluids and filters.

[@ibsoarin]

I have an new found appreciation for David Brown tractors after watching you work on your David Brown tractors. I can see a lot of improvements and ease of maintenance on these David Brown tractors over other higher production tractors I work on. I have never had the chance to work on a David Brown tractor.

[@louismcnabb6014]

I just bought a Ferguson tea 20, needing a lot of work done to it, good to know that ag spares NZ are reliable because they are the only place I can find parts. You have taught me a lot Marty, keep up the good work!

[@1969Kakashi]

If you'd ever let go of one of your machines the buyer should have total confidence in the maintenance having been done properly!

[@kostaskotoulas6542]

I have a soft spot for this old DB's because two of my neighbors had them. Actually one of them is still in use by his son for spraying his trees and mulching weeds in his vineyard. Still has it in top shape. Interesting bit of trivia, the DB in Aston Martin's models stands for David Brown as Sir David bought Aston Martin (the whole company) in 1947 for 20500 pounds.

[@bobw7066]

They (David Brown) also used to make excellent truck gearbox's.

[@TheDeeThornton]

My goodness, after that service that Davy Brown's gonna feel like he's been born again! Great vid Marty, you'll do me. God bless you and your family. Dee, N. Ireland.

[@dfross87]

All praise be to Marty, saviour of neglected and abused machinery!

[@TheDeeThornton]

@@dfross87 very good lol

[@daveedson8607]

I think I missed my calling in life. I find watching you and others working on old mechanical equipment so satisfying. I've always appreciated the old equipment from the 1900's. I'm an engineer, electrical/mechanical but have participated in repair and rebuilding of industrial equipment. There is just something special about seeing these old beauties running like new again.

[@joerodrigues3816]

Yes I’ve watched this video again as I don’t seem to get all off your updates of your videos mate all the best

[@davidsnyder2000]

Good God, the state of those filters and hydraulic fluid was SO bad. Looks like nobody cared to do any maintenance on it at all. Glad to see you got everything sorted and improved🙂👍 Nice job. A well maintained tractor is a happy tractor 😄

[@mortenstrm203]

Greetings from Norway! My grandfather had a 995, this video brought back some memories. Keep up the good work!

[@SkiGolfer]

You have to be the hardest working man in New Zealand! I get so caught up in your videos, watching a skilled craftsman at work is pure joy! Thank you.

[@oldergeologist]

I just spent 33 minutes and 37 seconds watching someone work when I should have been in the shed doing my own jobs. Please stop posting Marty.

[@milantrcka121]

NOT!

[@bradmonrean2307]

I know the feeling. Lol!

[@CheekyMonkey1776]

Hahaha. Hahaha

[@DOGE-rk1sq]

Same but im in school

[@Dave-ty2qp]

Fortunately I'm old and retired and can afford the time to enjoy this video without feeling guilt. But I certainly do know, and appreciate your sentiment oldergeologist. LOL In my younger days I would have felt the same way.

[@MalawijaSMITH]

I'm jealous now, it's funny how easy everything looks in your hands :)

[@w2dmw]

You put so much time, and good work into her, so finish her right, and treat her to a good paint job.....She'll turn heads then....!!!!!! GREAT JOB !!!!!

[@jamesbull890]

As my Scots mother would say "It'll see you oot" now you've done the needed repairs. Did my apprenticeship for a company that had an agricultural department and saw many of these. We of the commercial vehicle workshop used to sing to the agri mechanics, "I can't read I can't write but I can drive a tracter turn it left turn it right I can drive a tracter".

[@nicktilyard1312]

I've always found the thought of engine maintenance a little overwhelming but after watching your videos you make everything seem so simple, the troubleshooting process you show makes me want to have have a go at fixing everything. Thank you for your content, your by far on of my favorite channels on youtube! Keep doing what you're doing!

[@kitten_processing_inc4415]

It isn't so simple. Marty makes videos that let the rest of us dream how simple it is. For example, he says elsewhere in the comments that the water pump was a horrible job and he had to extract a stud to do it!

[@korydoe4813]

Always a nice feeling when after you weld something shut and it doesn't leak! Well done!

[@mac8775]

A mug of tea and biscuits and another Marty T adventure, life is good, thanks McMarty

[@johnranachan1604]

Good job dude, Great to see old things brought back to life.

[@StephenCole1916]

If I lived in NZ and had a tractor, I would only want Marty to service it! 🤣 Greetings from Virginia!

[@srfrg9707]

All the filters were useless. Special award to the one sealed by inserting the cone backwards. i wonder how it war running. But wait... was it running in the first place? The magnet trick is a very effective way to protect all kind of appliances. I've done it with my dish washer and you'd be amazed by the amout of mettalic particles it catches.

[@thomasfaucette1660]

Ole marty T is a smart dude he don't throw nothin away he makes it work he's a smart man I luv seeing him snatch up that firewood

[@monham5041]

Nice work. What a bargain. As a kiwi overseas it was nice to hear the sounds of the local nature in the background. Stay safe.

[@whitestream5233]

You have got a good tractor there, built by one of the best British tractor manufactures at the time . I have used David Brown tractors and they never give you any trouble providing they are serviced. I have a 996 and an 885 , forty five years old and still running like a dream. Great vid , thanks. You look after that old girl and she'll never let you down.

[@johnosullivan6439]

There were a lot of David Brown tractors used in Ireland in the 60's/70's/80's and they are rightly regarded here as the best 2-wheel drive tractors ever made. There was no other make of tractor to touch them for sheer pulling power and reliability. We had an 880 and a 990 and they were two brilliant tractors.

[@canvids1]

What kind of a person would buy a great old tractor like that and then just never change oils filters antifreeze etc for most of the years they have it. Good on you mate cheap buy and you fixed it all up and I know you will look after it probably another 40 years.

[@briangable08]

I recently bought a 18yo Suzuki Grand Vitara xl7 2.7 petrol with 45k on the clock for £1300 the previous owners had neglected the oldgirls oils n filters. I had all the oils and filters changed plus tyres, and clutch master cylinder, added Molyslip to all the oils, it now runs like Swiss watch, no turbo, no electronics all easy to look after low mileage work horse 4x4 for the grand total of £2k bliss.

[@belowmeoff]

One man's trash is another man's treasure. With a Cando attitude, knowledge and elbow grease, you've amassed quite the armada of highly useful toys and work horses for pennies on the dollar. Good work 👏 friend. God bless you and yours.

[@olliereed4206]

We have got one of these old girls. Just such a well made machine, wants for nothing and works all day without missing a beat. We are going to totally restore her back to factory standard. She deserves it.

[@shadowgolem9158]

Wow! She just needs a racing paint job now and she'll be perfect! Amazing to watch you. I learn so much! Thank you sir!

[@adaml4266]

I recently acquired a 1968 David Brown 990 and I find your videos very informative. I have the service manual but having a video where I can watch someone perform many of the maintenance tasks I'll be undertaking in the coming weeks is so helpful! Looking forward to more from you hopefully involving these industrious little tractors!

[@kwc6730]

Fixing the 990 ... hat's off to you, Pimping the ride with that seat ... absolutely ar***.. I mean back saving, turning the 990 into a an efficient wood processing behemoth ... pure genius

[@harryballzack]

Love how your vids are edited. No unnecessary stuff. And the wood bins are brilliant! May do something similar for my shop.

[@xHaZeLxNuTZx69x]

That filter was older than me, i enjoyed watching this, iv learnt about the thermostat, and when high temperature applies, the valve opens"!!

[@Hiawatha3971]

Stuck here in Melbourne for months under Covid 19 Lockdown and I can't get to my farm . Watching your videos keeps me sane and makes me feel as if I've achieved something ! Thanks Marty .

[@wymple09]

Whenever I see fully restored old tractors, nicely painted & all that, I think of your videos & the amount of diligence it takes to get them to that point.

[@dbriggs1689]

Well done. You put a new life back in that old tractor. Greetings from Washington state USA.

[@kuakkacam]

Makes you wonder how the poor old girl was actually still running. Shameful maintenance practice. Well,well, well overdue. Nice work. Good thing its found you.

[@startingfromscratch7469]

Love your systematic approach to problem solving - your calm and practical approach is enjoyable to watch

[@Maginnifix]

Plenty of grease gently applied to the shafts and into the openings this man definitely a pro.

[@Snarkapotamus]

We had one of these back in the mid-70s. It, an old JD 2020 and a Farmall M trike were our tools of trade...

[@texasjetman]

Well done Marti, nice job with your explanation of details and handy tricks and short cuts, I understand the caramel sauce not having a big indoor shop myself, most of all of my equipment stays out in the elements under tarps or leantoo sheds, I found saving my old waste engine oil and adding a little diesel petrol sure made up a nice system flush lubricant for rinsing out my contaminated " Carmel Sauce" gearboxes, the old oil added to the diesel gives it a good lubrication and cleansing fluid wash. Well done and It sounds to me you have a pretty good source of after market parts in New Zealand, I think you do very well for being so far away from the mainline stream of suppliers. Well done and thank you for sharing your detailed video.

[@lukeryan3914]

After watching this I really need to start fixing up the old David brown I have.

[@robertkreiling1746]

There are so many great things to say about this video , but the No music is the Best . Thank You , from John Deer country

[@cartercurrie6529]

No wonder you have the successes you do, your dedication to detail, is admirable.

[@noyesclt2]

Marty.. everything here is just so fantastic. Your skills in repair, commentary, camera, production. I'd rather watch this than Top Gear.. I'm quite sure that I speak for others in saying this may be the best channel on youtube. Thanks so much for putting this together!

[@evilbrat5376]

Like everything else - just a little "T.L.C." goes a long way. You had the touch with the "Old girl" and she responded to ya. Nice going - thanks for letting us tag along - till next. . . have a day.

[@kaseygee9818]

Splitter is ingenious! Make it do all the heavy lifting. I may have to borrow that idea, but if anyone asks it was Marty T. Thank you Sir!

[@steveswallows8525]

Marty, I think I'm gonna have to come over to your side of the world and take some lessons in self sufficiency. I thought I could fix most things before I saw you fix things. Amazing. Back to you having an understanding wife.

[@davida.p.9911]

I could hear the tractor say, "Ahhhhh, I feel so much better" as the repairs were made and fluids changed. 😄

[@PaulHigginbothamSr]

You know Marty I could watch you every week straightening zomeone's missteps. The work you corrected on this old tractor is wonderful. You really need to buy more than one item plus that needed, because I would bet you go back in 5 years no filters. None of the components needed for consumable components. That's what happened here in Murikee. One thing I want to mention. The consumed by rust water components. Put anti-freeze in her and the rust will stop. I open stuff here where it gets 15 below zero f and internal components look new.. course ya'll kin put sacrificial magnesium on it too. Thanks for such entertaining vids, one of these days ya'll will visit the moon with those critters with horns sneaking up on yee.

[@pirongia5168]

Excellent viseo Marty, lots of great tips and advice. Keep up the great work, folks will save thousands of dollars in repairs if they apply your skilfull advise.

[@bendigun11]

i watch from germany and i hope your kids have one day to learn all the skills.happy to see.

[@mickyjb2003]

This vlog was so satisfying to watch, old and tired to working like a new one.thanks.

[@scottygunter6644]

Well done sir. That made me very happy to watch I could hear that ole tractor say thank you every time you changed a filter . Very nice work.

[@nickjanssens]

I’m becoming an avid fan of your videos, grass roots mechanical skills that I suspect many of your views have , learnt well over 50 years ago.

[@wrightcabin4132]

Nice work. I just bought a 1970 David Brown 990. It has a heavier loader but everything else looks the same. I have just started to bring it back to life. Quite some work to do on the old girl but it’s pretty satisfying.👍😀. Robin, Nova Scotia, Canada.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Nicely done Marty. I bet the old tractor said she feels like a brand new machine after all the fluid changes and her joints had taken a fairly bad beating with broken seals and pressure leaks. I truly enjoyed watching the entire process. time consuming work but well worth the time well spent. You just added several more decades to her life. Big thumbs-up. 👍🏽🙂 New Subscriber here!!