Rusty old Tractor with grader blade for $500 - Lets fix it.

I bought myself an early Xmas present- A David Brown 990 Tractor with grader blade. When I picked it up it had no starter motor so we had to roll it down a hill to get it running, I saw a grader blade there so offered $500 for both. He was happy to get rid of them

[@scottdoris1067]

Marty, I live in the states. Not going to bore you with my credentials but I'm 62 and worked in parts and service all my life. The next time you can't locate a part give me a shout. I can find anything in any country. You and yours take care in these crazy times. Scott

[@ermis33]

Does anyone else find these videos extremely calming and relaxing? Marty might have missed his call as a narrator.

[@osvaldomorejon32]

Cómo dos extraño . 0

[@brent6454]

Calm voice and birds. If his voice was annoying he wouldn't have anywhere near the subscribers lol.

[@richardburmeister5776]

Very much so. Like a meditation with birdsong in the background

[@hohaia01]

Yes, makes me want to move out to the country.

[@othertipo]

Depends on the topic. Not for battles or action narratives :p

[@nyddubwarren]

Most people would add music or speed up the small stuff. I love how you leave it to nature, hearing the birds sing while working on the tractor. Maybe im too high, but I found it enjoyable.

[@dukeman7595]

Me too! I despise most of the music people add to their videos. much nicer listening to the birds singing..

[@lonniekuhns6442]

@@dukeman7595 0

[@florianindrei127]

Im with u bro ! I like the sound of birds and the work this man does.. just relaxing... 1 beer and enjoy!!

[@BenjaminBrewer25]

I like it also

[@Matty.Hill_87]

Same mate, I find these videos quite therapeutic sometimes

[@davidsellar6681]

This is brillant and addictive to watch. Nice weather, birds singing in background with Marty carmly fault finding to bring an old machine back into service. 5 star

[@bebajoro77]

I find Marty's videos fascinating. A fine example of how a cool, calm and collected man with a logical mind can deal with all sorts of problems often with a basic set of tools and outdoors too.

[@franciet2362]

My 3 year old loved this video. I enjoyed the sound of the birds in the background.

[@RickCrueger]

Seems like the best mechanics on you tube, are all mellow, easygoing salt of the earth type people who don’t get upset over much of anything. I don’t know how the hell they do it! I’m in awe. So cool to see these tractors get another chance at life. Thanks for sharing...

[@MartyT]

Thanks mate, I hope you've subbed my channel, some cool projects coming up ;)

[@RickCrueger]

I did subscribe, looking forward to those projects!

[@jakemurphy9536]

Re-watched this, because it is such a satisfying process, servicing the old gal and watching her doing what she was designed for. Easy Start is bad long term. Amongst other things, it causes motors to fire when they ought not to, thereby causing undue stress on rods and crank.

[@dezfan]

Seeing these old, abandoned, and/or abused, work horses being rescued and returned to service in indeed enjoyable.👍🏼

[@treebuzzard5796]

Marty's back with a fix it tractor, this tractor has now got a new life & the TLC is about to happen, Marty is the man to do it right...keep the vids coming.

[@captnkarl4401]

The time, energy, thoughtfulness, patience and passion you put into every single project you take on is inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing your work. Please continue to share your stories. It is much appreciated. I look forward to watching every Marty T experience.

[@ApprenticeGM]

Another awesome video mate - I learn something every time watching you work - that hot air into the intake port was genius! Can't believe the state of the oils and filters on the old equipment you repair - just because it's old isn't an excuse to neglect and abuse the basics of machinery care. You are a legend showing how this old stuff can be useful again with some care and work - and it ends up being a bargain as you get fantastic return on your investment. Thanks for sharing!

[@ianwille5780]

You know that you are getting a fine piece of equipment when it has its own built in ether can and hammer holder on the side of it.

[@MartyT]

The hammer was for bashing the starter motor when it played up

[@BigButtocks967]

My Dad brought an old ford zodiac back in the 70s that came with a free golf club to reach under and tap the starting motor while turning the key.

[@bajabum1987]

@@MartyT really enjoy your channel. Curious how many manhours total you worked to get her fixed up? (not including video editing time :-) )

[@thejavelin7832]

That's "canned glow plugs"!

[@MartyT]

@@bajabum1987 Thanks, around 10-12 hours work on this one

[@tomlee7966]

i really like watching you rescue forgotten and neglected machines and give them purpose again!! keep it up i will watch every video you put up buddy

[@buffsheeri]

I totally agree, a shame it got left outdoors

[@ikimax4381]

He took an angry ram nobody could tame and became his friend. Guy maybe a little shy and no chalant bit he has this thing to see gold where others dont.

[@DavidThomas-qu8mh]

Especially when it's a British built tractor

[@vermontjeff2535]

I just did the same I bought a 1942 Ford 9n . And now I'll working it . Scraper blade and a York rake ( all new ) , and I'm building a small garage just for my 9n ford to sit in..

[@dieseldavebrown]

I have three David Browns (notice my name lol)- I grew up with them unfortunately DB got bought by case in 1973 and they stopped calling them DB in the early 80's but continued to make them in the UK until 1988. Best tractors ever- you can treat them like crap and they still run, but it is very rewarding to restore them. No pesky electronics like modern tractors and you can buy a tractor with a loader for less than a riding lawn mower.

[@quitojimenez3853]

I found it really relaxing watching you fix this tractor, the bird sounds and the outdoors, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@patring620]

Your graduated cylinder always reminds me of when my dad taught me how to mix gas and oil in one as a kid, for our mowers and motorcycles. I still use them 40 years later for the chainsaws and weedeaters. I don't keep any mixed fuels. I just mix as I need it. I couldn't do any of the things you are doing without a few choice words for the machinery and previous owners. You are so calm about it. Good on ya.

[@MartyT]

Lol I edit out the swear words.. Yes those 2 stroke jugs are the way to go when mixing 2 stroke fuel

[@kenknight4560]

In these troubled times, spending a few minutes with Marty rescuing these great old machines is tonic for the soul. Well done Sir!

[@jbz2079]

What a testament to Old David Brown Tractors. Anything modern would have packed up and died with something terminal and bloody expensive. I have a lot of respect for these old monsters, worked on a few too. In the UK most of them die from cracked cylinder blocks, due to being left outside with very little or no antifreeze in the engine. Nice work mate, no loud music or temper tantrums, I'd let you work on my stuff, can't say that about many.

[@THEMOWERMEDIC1]

Brings back so Many memories. My grandfather had a case 995 and a db 990 selectamatic

[@paddykelly656]

Enjoying your videos from Ireland Marty. It really does boil down to maintenance. Always struck by the simplicity of your work. Your machinery yard is becoming a unique, but really handy collection. A purpose for every machine. Would love to see drone footage of the length of your roadway into your home. Keeep up the good work.

[@drchrisdavies2941]

Great to see this old tractor come back to life

[@markrichardson5180]

Absolutely, I’ve been binging on them for a couple days now. Seems like a nice guy. Wish we lived closer!

[@tonymarkey6525]

It’s a testament to the build quality of these old machines that they manage to run for as long as the do despite all the abuse and mistreatment over the years. Then you come along treat them right and right back to life they come. Thanks for these vids, love em 👍👍😁😁

[@deanbarr5740]

These are very strong tractors. My family had one just like yours. It was a 1968 model 990. Not sure but i believe it was rated at 60 to 65 engine h.p. The only problem we had was the hydraulics were reallly slow. Probably needed a fluid and filter change. Brought back some good memories, thanks. Enjoy your tractor. They for sure don't make them like that anymore.

[@Rlaidlaw77]

Nice work Marty, I really enjoyed seeing how well she responded to a bit of common sense spannering. You can almost understand machines being left when they're no longer needed but why somebody would run something into the ground like that is beyond me. Changing fluids, a few filters and throwing a tarp over when shes laid up is a lot less hassle than struggling to start her every time.

[@jpwipeout99]

You remind me of a guy I once met. He said when his dad got older he bought/accumulated many Ford 9N (and other tractors) with each have a different implement attached. That way he never had to switch implements around.

[@derpydog1008]

This is probably the first time this tractor has got some love in many years. $500 is a steal.

[@MartyT]

It actually seems to start better and smoke less every time I use it.. I think it likes me ;)

[@jimb6117]

Ok so a couple hundred on oil and filters etc A good one to two days work doing long over due maintenance and you gone from a drug addicted clutch start clunker to a pretty sweet little key start job, that will probably be a reliable little beast proof right there that you can't beat a good service when it's due. Great work mate.

[@pincus321]

It’s absolutely great to see someone who will look after a tool that he intends to use rather than just get it to run, I hope the rings bed in and it gives you many years of good service

[@retireddec04]

Had an International 3514 loader backhoe with globs of that black goo in the fuel tank. I drained the tank, put a gallon of simple green cleaner in and topped it off with water, let it soak overnight. Ran a copper line in next day and put some air on it to stir things up for an hour. Then stuck the hose it and let the globs of goo float out. I think most of it was removed. Flushed the tank with diesel and changed the filters. the tank couldn't be removed without lifting the loader and assembly off the tractor, a real PITA. It was a solid workhorse that had been neglected. I like your methods of repair, don't always have to spend a fortune.

[@Locane256]

WOW. Genuinely shocked that the heat gun trick 7:05 worked so well - I've been watching a ton of these restoration videos and I've NEVER seen that before. Nice! 👍

[@jasonpatterson8091]

One of my favorite parts of living in the middle of nowhere is being able to do something quiet, or do nothing at all, and just hear the wind and the birds and nothing much else.

[@beunhaasrudi]

And the smell of nature 😍

[@teawood5850]

Those birds were great and I have never seen a tractor that was so neglected that ran.

[@robt2151]

And create a bit of diesel smoke without anyone complaining.

[@occultknowledge1085]

That poor thing was so neglected. Great vid as usual.

[@calguth3597]

You remind me of my father, he could fix anything. Enjoyed this beyond words, like watching him. Miss him more and more. God Bless and take care.

[@joerodrigues3816]

I just can’t understand how people don’t look after their machines ??? Great job mate

[@morteASH]

Maintenance is clearly a foreign word for some people :) Nice work fella.

[@jamesa7506]

I doubt they'd even find the word in a dictionary. Some people's children....

[@kirkmarrie8060]

First time I saw the use of a funnel! Marty has MAD SKILLS!!! Uhm, . . . the maintenance I'm referring to, not the funnel usage! Bravo. Outstanding presentation.

[@tankardstrongpour2998]

No matter how many times I see you change oil and filter on different plant, It is still very satisfying to watch.

[@JoshKilen]

very nice job, you sure know how to give old and neglected machines some love.

[@MoosesValley]

Hi Marty, there was a David Brown tractor at a local auction (Queensland, Australia) a few days ago, and it got sold for $150 - but it was in way worse condition that yours - both back tyres were completely schredded, it had been out in the weather for decades, etc, and everythig on it was rusted / wrecked, it had no blade and needless to say it was not running at all. I think you got a great deal for your tractor and blade. Well done !!

[@rhiantaylor3446]

I particularly like the fact that you showed the whole refurb - "soup to nuts" in a single video. thanks

[@HammyTechnoid]

There's some kind of catharsis that takes place when an old machine of such stature is brought back to life. All is not lost in a world of throw away mentality. Bravo to you sir.

[@metzfarm6494]

This tractor is a perfect example of why routine maintenance is important. Keeping equipment out of the elements is also a good idea too. Great video.

[@Silber101]

These are the most satisfying videos to watch; it's my meditation. Thank you.

[@siskokidd]

Actual, productive, purposeful, good results work!

[@paulgreco2188]

I have many hours on a 990...awesome tractors. Great on fuel...great sound and i love the range selection. Great video.

[@Matty.Hill_87]

It's amazing how many "dead" machines can be brought back to life with some basic maintenance

[@fynbo1007]

It’s a real pleasure to see you maintaining the old equipment instead of buying new one’s. Thank you for sharing your amazing story. God bless you and your family

[@kiwizate]

Nice Job Marty, I recall walking past the local tractor dealer as a kid (around 1970) and playing on the display tractors, DB 990 included. nice to see the same model getting it's mojo back. I envy your access to some cool old gear.

[@fdarrenlendvay5004]

6km driveway!?....jeezus! Thank god, no snow....lol

[@StewsChannel]

Love this! The very first diesel tractor I ever drove was an old David Brown about 45 or so years ago. I remember it driving very nicely for the time. We had a small hobby farm and all of our equipment was older. I really do enjoy watching you repair and maintain these old units and getting them back to a useful status. I'm guessing those filters were decades old :)

[@jamesmichael3998]

I'd have to say you've got yourself a few handfuls of projects their and the poor lads an addict Cheers from Jacksonville Florida

[@scruffy6151]

I drove a DB 990 good tractor you will like it nice buy. Just some lovin is all she needed to be happy.

[@dougthomas1582]

Love watching you bring these old pieces of history back to life.

[@Locane256]

I have to say thank you for minimizing the volume on the really loud power tool stuff. That's something I wish more restoration video creators did. No one wants to listen to an incredibly loud grinder!

[@BRI33NOR]

Good straightforward mechanicing !. Done that all my life, usually managed to fix everything that came my way. Sort of taught by my Dad who was born in 1910 so grew up with the advent of steam cultivators, tractors, diesels ,combine harvesters and so on. (He even shoed horses, a talent useful in WW2 in England when petrol was needed to fuel aircraft, tanks etc ). Look back and actually enjoyed most of it too. Really enjoy this type of video, it’s where I used to be. Now long retired but fingers sometimes itch to mend something. Thankyou

[@sonsofmccormick1296]

I know sometimes I let scheduled servicing go a little longer than I should... but wow... its surprising it ran at all with that much gunk in the filters... excellent job man! 👍

[@corlissmedia2.0]

Using that heat gun was very inspiring.

[@Trey4x4]

Never heard of that trick

[@alanfarenden9378]

Seen a blowlamp flame aimed towards the air intake, about 6 inches away in deep snow. Fired up after a few seconds cranking.

[@thejavelin7832]

I had never thought of don't that. So simple. Cummins uses a heat grid in the intake manifold instead of glow plugs.... Heat gun is the same theory.

[@TrevorDennis100]

Marty mentioned that starting fluid (ether) can damage engines. I believe it is actually banned in some countries like Finland. Having said that, I am not sure if that is to save engines or the Ionosphere.

[@MegaDirtyberty]

@@TrevorDennis100 Yes it does, iirc the long term use of it damages head gaskets and piston ring lands (but could be wrong).

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

My fellow David Brown owner, we have a 1970 model 990. Have done everything you have done, great running works every day of the week smokes allot fuel smoke you should grab extra hyd. Filters. The hyd pump on ours is on the weak side. Only difference is the trans dipstick and fill are opposite side as yours .good luck Central California watching

[@131dyana]

My Uncle did what you did. He completely rebuilt it. Glad to see some one else can see the future for old machinery.

[@2tana22]

That ol tractor lucked out and-found a home that will love her, enjoy your videos Marty, thanks for sharing

[@peternicholsonu6090]

When that machine was brand new it must have brought tears to someone’s eyes. Now it’s old and it still brings tears to our eyes....

[@awesomeguy8392]

Watching you clean up AND paint the base of that seat earned you a subscriber, good sir. I always thought to do things the right way or not bother at all. Bravo

[@bigmac965]

I'm glad you were able to rescue this machine. Never has one tractor suffered such neglect before....

[@BarnStangz]

Man! I love watching you give these old things a new lease on life. It really is too bad how some people treat their machines. Mine might not be the best looking, but I sure as hell keep them maintained and ready to work!

[@bobjoncas2814]

...for $500 and a box of beers, i think you got a pretty good deal...great vid..

[@avatarofenlightenment386]

They prove to me that nothing beats clean oils, new filters, and a little diligence for the maintenance of tractors. Heating the air that enters the pistons was an inspired trick.

[@teenaramsay2469]

The principle of heating the air can be done through glow plugs or by thermostart.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJanp3aMiJhrns0

[@mr.science9750]

Awesome! I was able to drive one these at a friend's farm when I was a kid. I really enjoy the reviving of all of this old, but still useful equipment. Keep up the good work!

[@ianwinfield929]

Ah, yes it has the dealer option ‘Start Ya Bastard!’ cup holder. And the hammer holder makes it the deluxe model

[@stevehairston9940]

That hammer is for tapping the starter when it sticks. 😃

[@simontay4851]

It didn't have a starter motor before.

[@stevehairston9940]

@@simontay4851 the missing starter may have been knocked off by the hammer. 😀

[@wsg4847]

@@simontay4851 There you go. The previous owner kept trying to hammer a non-existant starter. That's why he had to jump start by rolling down a hill.

[@elliottmanning]

Had a Chevy Nova that I carried a 2x4 to beat the starter motor quite often...

[@dannyinaus]

As we say in Australia, that new seat is as flash as a bat with a gold tooth!

[@Akade_]

No

[@simperous4308]

rat

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

Everything gets tested on the driveway. Nice to have the proper equipment to keep it in good condition.

[@LoneWolf-yp2mo]

David Brown were known to be great tractors where I came from. They had a GREAT REPUTATION ! Wonderful job givin' 'er some love and git'in 'er back to work. Like a good woman, treat 'er right and she'll last a lifetime !!

[@waitingonmarc]

I like watching these videos, they are entertaining enough to keep me coming back for more but no so much that it makes me think I can go find a rust bucket of my own to rebuild. Good on ya

[@ronanoreilly7813]

I could watch Marty’s videos all day, very therapeutic, keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@missyounorm33]

I have spent 3 hrs on a rainy Saturday watching these videos. I can't change the oil in my tricycle but I am fascinated by these bloody vids. Thank you. Cheers

[@edspencer7121]

Those old David Browns just don't die. A little maintenance and TLC is all it takes to keep them going.

[@dukeman7595]

You ended up with a very decent deal and you did it right by changing out everything, great job..

[@stevehairston9940]

That heat gun trick is pretty slick, never seen that one before. 🖒

[@maienduo]

Use heat gun only in diseal engine

[@dot7107]

Russians sometime starts their older trucks by placing campfire under the oil pan

[@stevehairston9940]

@@dot7107 😲

[@korydoe7201]

What a difference a new search will make on an old tractor, nice work Marty, make those old machines go and work again

[@edmedlin2936]

You are a good mechanic, mate. I did all that same stuff on my 1953 NAA Ford tractor, as well as many other big repairs. If you know what you are doing, you can keep any old machine running forever. Good work.

[@2trekkertrek]

Keep em coming Marty! Amazing job as always.

[@stevensemanko5740]

I was watching the video with my headphones on. My wife stopped and asked why I was watching bird video’s. Another great video. Good job.

[@bror8228]

Talking about the birds.. I didn´t know you have common chaffinches too in NZ...? Greetings from Sweden...

[@nicklasallers8975]

Marty how did you learn so much about equipment maintenance and repair? I love your videos. I find them very relaxing and love to see you bring old equipment back to life.

[@fredfrog007]

You make fixing these beautiful old machines look so easy and how you give them a second chance.

[@montwolfman]

I am amazed that you readily got parts. If memory serves she is an early 60's tractor. Gonna need an engine overhaul in the near future though. Good buy anyway.

[@MartyT]

Yeah it is getting tired, parts for these are easy to come by here in NZ

[@griteek]

Must be post 1972 as it has Case stickers on it and that's when Case bought David Brown Tractors.

[@frankjames7247]

You could hear that tractor breath a sigh of relief with all the care you lavished on her, after all the time without maintenance !!

[@t-wrecks7481]

I love seeing these old machines come back to life.

[@jasonbabila6006]

Marty, you never ceases to amaze me by what you can do to bring life back to those old rusty and neglected pieces of equipment and machinery, you have the patience and skills. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽✌🏽

[@wtfwtfwtf7477]

Your a ledgen Marty Love what you do .. You inspire ....

[@VintageTexas59]

Dang, been a long time since this was serviced, what a gunky mess ! But sure running fine now, little blue smoke is alright, will be good for another 20 years Marty.

[@thomasburnett4712]

Your awesome skill and care in restoring these abused machines are truly inspirational!

[@JBPBBP7918]

Every time I start getting frustrated doing my own maintenance work I watch one of your videos and my blood pressure immediately comes right back down :)

[@onebaybuilds]

Love those tractor's they are tuff as nails we had a 995 with just over 10000 hours on it when it gave up the gost

[@ardtessa]

Well done again ! You're doing it pretty much exactly as I would do it! Next is a tarmac paver and a roller ! Keep up the good work.

[@marcellino1956]

Marty always a pleasure watching you bring back an old piece of machinery and give it life.....BTW i'm always learning when I watch you work

[@harrybond007]

Impressed by your skill and knowledge, and I was feeling good when I fixed my lawn mower

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

now thats a capitons chair , it looks as tho i maybe pickin' up an 880 . this was helpful .

[@timcroft9250]

I live less than 2 miles from where the old girl was born in Huddersfield UK it’s a shame so many were abused but at least you’ve saved another

[@Locane256]

Man this thing is WAY more of a project than the other tractor you got out of the bog. Hope the wife knows the difference 😬

[@garyellison3589]

Nice video, that Tractor was probably built just a few miles from me here in the UK, Good solid old machines built when things where over engineered and thats why they are still here and usable, i have a 1970 780 with just over 2000 hrs on it, never fails to start no mater how cold it is .