Hermann Lanz Hela D 538 S
Built: 11/66–06/73 · Series: Other models
Not the right version? The data comes from vehicle registers holding many near-identical versions side by side. Photograph the data plate — we read make and type from it. Open the scanner e-mail address required
Hermann Lanz – other models: the collective page of the Aulendorf maker outside the named ranges, one- to three-cylinder diesels of 1,558 to 2,232 cc, 8 to 16 kW
This page gathers the tractors of Hermann Lanz of Aulendorf in Upper Swabia that the register could not assign to a dedicated range. The maker Hermann Lanz should not be confused with the Mannheim firm Heinrich Lanz, whose Bulldog tractors shaped the German market at the same time; the Aulendorf company independently built smaller and medium agricultural tractors. This collective page holds three models – D47, Hela D 538 S and Samson 2 – with differing cylinder counts, showing the spread of the Aulendorf programme between the small and medium class.
Read on 3 more paragraphs
The register lists 3 versions here with 8.1 to 16 kW from one- to three-cylinder diesel engines of 1,558 to 2,232 cc, kerb weights of 1,350 to 1,700 kg, lengths of 2,500 to 3,300 mm, widths of 1,040 to 1,540 mm and heights of 1,230 to 1,560 mm at 1,500 to 2,300 revolutions per minute.
Tractors of this size were common in the peasant farming of Upper Swabia and neighbouring regions, where small and medium holdings relied on nimble, cheap-to-run tractors for field and transport work, before larger and more powerful tractors came to dominate farms from the 1960s.
When buying a used example of these early Aulendorf models, the main points are the condition of the engine and injection pump, as spare parts for such small production runs are hard to find through regular trade, plus the condition of chassis, steering and brakes and corrosion on panels and mudguards; parts usually come from breakers or dealers specialising in historic agricultural machinery.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Hermann Lanz (weitere Modelle)
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | dieselcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 40 hpcorrect |
| Rated speed | 2,300 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 3correct |
| Displacement | 2,232 cm³correct |
| Cooling | water-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 3,300 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,040 mmcorrect |
| Height | 1,230 mm (to bonnet)correct |
| Wheelbase | 1,860 mmcorrect |
| Ground clearance | 300 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 1,520 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 10/2correct |
| Front tyres | 4.50-16 ASFcorrect |
| Rear tyres | 10-24 AScorrect |
| Top speed | 20 km/hcorrect |
Origin and approval
| Construction | unit construction (no separate frame)correct |
|---|---|
| Units built | 48correct |
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 19.3 kW/t (29 kW / 1.5 t)
Power class: Compact (< 40 hp)
Stronger than 25% 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 Hermann Lanz Hela D 538 S have?
The Hermann Lanz Hela D 538 S delivers 40 hp.
How much does the Hermann Lanz Hela D 538 S weigh?
The unladen weight is 1,520 kg.
What engine does the Hermann Lanz Hela D 538 S have?
3 cylinders, 2,232 cm³ displacement, Diesel.
How fast does the Hermann Lanz Hela D 538 S go?
Top speed is 20 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the Hermann Lanz Hela D 538 S?
3,300 mm × 1,040 mm × 1,230 mm.
When was the Hermann Lanz Hela D 538 S built?
Production years: 11/66–06/73.
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.
We do not sell machines. We ask the dealers who carry this model and come back with price and lead time.
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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: Wikibooks Traktorenlexikon (CC BY-SA 4.0) (retrieved August 2026) · Values adopted and presented in our own form; changes from the source are possible. · How we check the data
Tractor in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.
