Hela L 25
Built: 1942–1944 · Series: Holzgas-Schlepper
More machines from model year 1942
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Hela Holzgas-Schlepper (L 25): water-cooled two-cylinder tractor for wood, peat and coal operation, 3,981 cc, 18.2 kW and 2,200 kg from the years 1942 to 1944
During the Second World War, mineral oil in Germany was largely reserved for the military, so many manufacturers converted their tractors to run on solid domestic fuels. The L 25 was among the versions that could run on wood, peat or coal instead of crude oil or diesel.
Read on 3 more paragraphs
The L 25 is powered by a water-cooled two-cylinder engine of 3,981 cc, producing 25 hp, or 18.2 kW, at 1,550 rpm, and burns wood, peat or coal. At a weight of 2,200 kg, a length of 2,950 mm, a height of 1,640 mm, a width of 1,560 mm and a wheelbase of 2,140 mm, the machine reaches a top speed of 19.4 km/h.
An upstream generator gasified the solid fuel under oxygen-starved conditions into a combustible gas, fed to the engine in place of liquid fuel. The ability to run on three different solid fuels made the machine independent of whichever was regionally available, but required frequent refuelling and cleaning of the generator. Operators had to plan working hours around these servicing breaks.
When buying such a wood-gas tractor, the condition of the cylinder and piston matters, since gas from solid fuels left different deposits than oil operation, along with the radiator and water pump for leaks. The gearbox and brakes should be checked for function; spare parts for this rare wartime design can now only be obtained through a circle of collectors.
Sources: SpecCodex-Register: Kennwerte des Modells Hela L 25
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | Holz/Torf/Kohlecorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 25 hp (18.2 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 1,550 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 2correct |
| Displacement | 3,981 cm³correct |
| Bore | 130 mmcorrect |
| Stroke | 150 mmcorrect |
| Cooling | water-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 2,950 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,560 mmcorrect |
| Height | 1,640 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 2,140 mmcorrect |
| Ground clearance | 300 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 2,200 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 4V/1Rcorrect |
| Forward gears | 4correct |
| Reverse gears | 1correct |
| Front tyres | 5.50 x 16correct |
| Rear tyres | 9.00 x 24correct |
| Top speed | 19.4 km/hcorrect |
Origin and approval
| Construction | unit construction (no separate frame)correct |
|---|---|
| Units built | 780correct |
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 8.3 kW/t (18 kW / 2.2 t)
Power class: Compact (< 40 hp)
Stronger than 12% 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 Hela L 25 have?
The Hela L 25 delivers 25 hp.
How much does the Hela L 25 weigh?
The unladen weight is 2,200 kg.
What engine does the Hela L 25 have?
2 cylinders, 3,981 cm³ displacement, Holz/Torf/Kohle.
How fast does the Hela L 25 go?
Top speed is 19.4 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the Hela L 25?
2,950 mm × 1,560 mm × 1,640 mm.
When was the Hela L 25 built?
Production years: 1942–1944.
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 25 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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Sources: [1]
Tractor in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.
