Heinrich Lanz D 1581
Built: 1937–1946 · Series: HRK
More machines from model year 1937
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Heinrich Lanz HRK D1550 to D1581 – the Bulldog from Mannheim with hot-bulb single cylinder: uniformly 36.6 kW at a constant 750 rpm, multi-fuel operation from crude oil to petrol, 4.77 to 5.9 t
Heinrich Lanz AG of Mannheim built the Bulldog from 1921, one of the best-known German tractors of all, driven by a horizontal single-cylinder hot-bulb engine on the two-stroke cycle – a rugged, slow-running design that processed practically any combustible fuel. The HRK range with its D type designations stands for the heavy versions of this Bulldog principle, in which the models differ chiefly in frame length, bodywork and weight, while engine output and rated speed stayed constant across the whole range – a hallmark of the unchanged basic hot-bulb engine.
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The register lists 5 versions uniformly at 36.6 kW at a constant 750 rpm, service weights of 4,770 to 5,900 kg, lengths of 2,800 to 3,070 mm, widths of 1,865 to 2,400 mm and heights of 2,320 to 2,380 mm. Fuel operation is recorded as multi-fuel-capable for four models, and for one model as running on gas oil, lignite tar oil, diesel oil, paraffin oil or petrol.
The Lanz Bulldog shaped German agriculture for decades and became a generic name for standing-engine tractors generally; its ability to run on low-grade and changing fuels made it especially sought after in wartime and post-war years. In 1956 John Deere took over a majority stake in Lanz and gradually folded the brand into its own tractor production.
On these historic machines, the condition of hot bulb and cylinder, the tightness of the two-stroke engine, the function of clutch and reversing gear, and corrosion on frame and sheet-metal parts count above all; spare parts are the exclusive domain of specialist Bulldog restorers and vintage-tractor clubs.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Heinrich Lanz HRK, John Deere (Rechtsnachfolger Heinrich Lanz)
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | Vielstoffcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 50 hp (36.6 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 750 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 1correct |
| Bore | 225 mmcorrect |
| Stroke | 260 mmcorrect |
| Injection pressure | 80 barcorrect |
| Cooling | Thermosyphonkühlungcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 2,920 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 2,200 mmcorrect |
| Height | 2,340 mmcorrect |
| Ground clearance | 280 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 5,200 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 6V/2Rcorrect |
| Front tyres | 1.600 x 400correct |
| Rear tyres | 1.600 x 400correct |
| Top speed | 7.7 km/hcorrect |
Origin and approval
| Construction | unit construction (no separate frame)correct |
|---|
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 7 kW/t (37 kW / 5.2 t)
Power class: Universal (40–100 hp)
Stronger than 34% of the tractors in the register — out of 15,663 models with a stated power figure.
Calculated from the documented figures above — not a rating.
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the Heinrich Lanz D 1581 have?
The Heinrich Lanz D 1581 delivers 50 hp.
How much does the Heinrich Lanz D 1581 weigh?
The unladen weight is 5,200 kg.
What engine does the Heinrich Lanz D 1581 have?
1 cylinders, Vielstoff.
How fast does the Heinrich Lanz D 1581 go?
Top speed is 7.7 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the Heinrich Lanz D 1581?
2,920 mm × 2,200 mm × 2,340 mm.
When was the Heinrich Lanz D 1581 built?
Production years: 1937–1946.
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Check the weights in the papers against the figures here — attachments change them.
- Check front and rear tyre sizes: mismatched pairs strain the drivetrain.
- Shift the gearbox cold and warm — jumps only show up at temperature.
- Load the hydraulics and watch for sag.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
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This page carries 20 individual figures for this model. They come from 1 recorded source; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
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Other models in this series
Sources: [1]
Tractor in 3D section
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