David Brown Tractor Museum

About the museum

The David Brown Tractor Museum is run by the David Brown Tractor Club at Meltham Mills, near Huddersfield, on the site of the former David Brown tractor plant. The company began building tractors in a corner of its Huddersfield gear factory in 1936, in partnership with Harry Ferguson, and brought out its first own model in 1939. A large tractor assembly complex opened at Meltham in 1971, and the factory closed in 1988.

The club moved its museum to its present unit at Meltham Mills from the earlier site at Spinksmire Mill, which needed refurbishment. The new museum is in J Block, next to the former assembly building where tractor production began in late 1939. It has a tractor display area that includes a Ferguson Type A, which recalls how David Brown began making Ferguson tractors, as well as a shop, kitchen, archive room and a large meeting and dining area.

The museum holds a growing collection of tractors, machinery, memorabilia and archive material. It opens on monthly open days and events, and groups such as tractor and car clubs can arrange visits.

Highlights

• Collection of David Brown tractors and machinery
• A Ferguson Type A, recalling the Ferguson-Brown partnership
• Memorabilia and archive material
• Club shop and café on open days
• Views over the former tractor plant at Meltham Mills

Permanent exhibition

• David Brown tractor collection – Tractors, machinery, memorabilia and archive material about David Brown tractors.

Operated by

David Brown Tractor Club Ltd

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The club advertised free parking and admission for open days, with donations appreciated to support the museum. This was stated in a 2024 notice, so check before visiting.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Well-behaved dogs are welcome. Toilets are available on site; no further access details are published.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is at Gate 4 of Meltham Mills Industrial Estate, off Knowle Lane.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

On open days the café serves hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, meals and cakes, and the club shop is open.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit