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This listing is an attempt to date the various models of DB tractors based on the years they were actually offered for sale, either through catalog ads or at the various Sears store outlets. This dating method differs slightly from using the printing dates on owner's manuals of the tractors. Since printing dates do not always agree 100% with manufacturing dates or sales data, a few differences result. This listing is by no means official. These are my own extrapolations, based on the advertising literature and other information I have at my disposal. If someone has additional data to improve this information, please drop me a note.
"Garden Tractor"
917.5751
The 5751 was the only machine offered in the first few years.
These two models were identical except for the engine. The 5752 has a Briggs & Stratton engine, while the 5756 has a Continental engine. The 1950 Spring & Summer big book specifically lists a 1.6 hp Briggs & Stratton engine, while the 1950 Sears Midsummer sale catalog lists a "Special designed" tractor engine of 1.6 hp, but no brand name. It would seem that the Continental engine came later in the year, probably due to an availability issue.
A 1952 sale catalog introduces the "Special" with the phrase "Bought especially for this sale" in the ad. The pictured tractor must be a 57562, but of interesting note is the fact that the engine is a round top Briggs & Stratton instead of the square top engine that is more familiar on the 57562. Apparently the early 62's had the round top, similar to the early 57560's.
The Super Power tractors were offered in either Continental or Briggs powered versions, but the customer did not have a choice. Engine selection was based on availability.
The "Special" was functionally the same as the "Garden Tractor" but did not have a hood to keep the price lower.
The Super Power tractors were offered in either Continental or Briggs powered versions, but the customer did not have a choice. Engine selection was based on availability.
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"Special" |
"2 hp Tractor" |
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"Super 3" |
A "2 hp Tractor" was offered in a 1954 catalog. It was described as having a hood and 15" wheels, and was said to be "similar in appearance to the pictured tractor" (pictured tractor was a Super 3, and a Super Power was advertized separately) . Non-specific info on engine, except for the mention that it had a flyball governor and was air cooled. My guess is that this offering was a slightly doctored 5752, to liquidate stock of the phased out model.
The Super Power tractors were offered in either Continental or Briggs powered versions, but the customer did not have a choice. Engine selection was based on availability.
The Super 3 was introduced this year, as an upgraded version of the Super Power. It had a 3 hp Continental engine, speed changer, reverse, and kill switch.
The Super Power apparently came only with the Continental engine, judging by the catalog ad.
The 5 H. P. Special was introduced to add more horsepower to the line. Bigger engine, no hood.The Super 3 was an improved version of the Super Power, with speed changer, reverse, and kill switch. One 1955 ad lists it as having a "red enameled hood," but it also advertises adjustable handlebars. These two points don't add up. The "red-enameled hood" seems to be misleading. I have a 57584 manual dated 12/54, which would tend to indicate that the 57584 must have been available sometime in 1955. I now believe the advertised tractor is a 57584, and the note about the hood should denote the bronze color instead. The 57584 seems to have had a short run. Recent research seems to suggest that the 57597 replaced the 57584 before the end of 1955.
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"2-3/4 hp Special" |
"Super Power" |
"5 hp Special" |
"Super 3" |
The Special had a new engine and clutch this year.
There seems to have been some experimentation going on with engines and features about this time. The Super Power now came with a new 2-3/4 hp B&S aluminum engine. There were two versions of this machine. One version retained the earlier style one-piece frame and apparently was short-lived. This was the 575102. Another version had all the same features and engine, and in addition had the two-piece frame with adjustable handlebars. This was the 57599. There was also another Super Power "Special" with a 3 hp Continental engine advertised in an early 1956 sale catalog. I believe this was the 575105.
The 5 H. P. Special continued as their big workhorse.
The Super 3 was now bronze colored with cream or yellow wheels. It is unclear when the 57597 was replaced by the 575104. The 57597 seems to have been available in at least the early part of the year. I have evidence to suggest that the 57597 and 575104 may have run concurrently for a short period. The 575104 appears to have replaced the 57597 at some point during 1956.
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"2-3/4 hp Special" |
"Super Power" |
"Super 3" |
"5 hp Special" |
"Super 5.6" |
The 2-3/4 hp Special was changed to a two piece frame.
I'm not sure when the 575100 was replaced by the 575120. They are the same tractor with different tags.
The Super 5.6 was introduced this year. It had the differential transmission and a powerful Wisconsin engine, along with speed changer, reverse, and kill switch.
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"Super Power" |
"Suburban" |
"5 hp Special" |
"Super 5.6" or |
I know the 57599 Super power was still being sold in 1958, as I have one confirmed report of one being sold in March of 1958. The 575119 manual is dated 2/58, so it would seem that the 575119 was slated to replace the 57599 at about this time. For some reason though, the 575119 did not appear until later, and then apparently in very small numbers.
The Suburban was introduced this year. It was like the Super 3, with the addition of a differential transmission. It was bronze with cream or yellow wheels.
There was a 575112A produced about this time which had some subtle changes to the transmission. This eventually gave way to the new model 575121, which was later referred to as the "600."
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"Super 300" |
"Super 575" |
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These two tractors were painted "nugget gold" with blue wheels. The 300 was a basic clicker hub tractor, while the 575 was loaded up with differential, speed changer, reverse, kill switch, and recoil.
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"Super 300" |
"Super 575" |
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These two tractors were painted "nugget gold" with blue wheels. The 300 was a basic clicker hub tractor, while the 575 was loaded up with differential, speed changer, reverse, kill switch, and recoil.
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"Super 300" |
"Super 575" |
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These two tractors were painted "nugget gold" with blue wheels. The 300 was a basic clicker hub tractor, while the 575 was loaded up with differential, speed changer, reverse, kill switch, and recoil.
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"David Bradley 6" |
"Super 600" |
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These two tractors were painted blue with white wheels. The David Bradley 6 was basically the same as the 5 hp specials, but with an aluminum engine and recoil. The Super 600 had the same engine, but it was loaded up with differential, speed changer, and reverse.
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"David Bradley 6" |
"Super 600" |
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These two tractors were painted blue with white wheels. The David Bradley 6 was basically the same as the 5 hp specials, but with an aluminum engine and recoil. The Super 600 had the same engine, but it was loaded up with differential, speed changer, and reverse.
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"Sears 6 hp" |
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This tractor was blue with white wheels and featured a non-locking differential, speed changer, recoil, and reverse. It was the last model built by David Bradley, and was offered until production ended.
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"Sears 6 hp" |
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This tractor was blue with white wheels and featured a non-locking differential, speed changer, recoil, and reverse. It was the last model built by David Bradley, and was offered until production ended.
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"Sears 6 hp" |
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This tractor was blue with white wheels and featured a non-locking differential, speed changer, recoil, and reverse. It was the last model built by David Bradley, and was offered until production ended.
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"Sears Super 600" |
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This tractor was blue with white wheels and featured a non-locking differential, speed changer, recoil, and reverse. It was the last model built by David Bradley, and 1967 is the last year these machines were offered in the catalogs.