Hermann Lanz D 538 S
Built: 10/1966–6/1973 · Series: Schmalspur-Reihe
More machines from model year 1966
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Hermann Lanz D 538 S: water-cooled three-cylinder narrow-track tractor with 2,232 cc, 29.3 kW and just 1,040 mm width from October 1966 to June 1973
Hermann Lanz of Aalen, independent of Heinrich Lanz AG in Mannheim, built tractors in a narrow-track series designed for work in confined spaces. The D 538 S was among the final versions of this series.
Read on 3 more paragraphs
The D 538 S is powered by a water-cooled three-cylinder engine of 2,232 cc, producing 40 hp, or 29.3 kW, at 2,300 rpm. At a weight of 1,520 kg, a length of 3,300 mm, a height of 1,230 mm and a width of just 1,040 mm, the machine, with a wheelbase of 1,860 mm, reaches a top speed of 20 km/h.
At just 1,040 mm wide and 1,230 mm high, the D 538 S is markedly narrower and lower than a standard-track tractor of the same output; such narrow-track tractors were built for row crops such as vineyards, orchards and hop yards, where the row spacing limited the vehicle's outline. A three-cylinder engine at a comparatively high speed of 2,300 rpm was typical of this compact design. Narrower wheel and tyre spacings were standard equipment on such models of the period.
When buying such a narrow-track tractor, the condition of the injection pump and injectors matters, along with the radiator and water pump for leaks. Given the narrow build, the steering and steering-knuckle pins should also be checked for play; spare parts for this small and now rare manufacturer are only available through a specialist circle of collectors.
Sources: SpecCodex-Register: Kennwerte des Modells Hermann Lanz D 538 S
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | dieselcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 40 hp (29.3 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 2,300 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 3correct |
| Displacement | 2,232 cm³correct |
| Bore | 95 mmcorrect |
| Stroke | 105 mmcorrect |
| Injection pressure | 180 barcorrect |
| Cooling | water-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 3,300 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,040 mmcorrect |
| Height | 1,230 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 1,860 mmcorrect |
| Ground clearance | 300 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 1,520 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 10 V/2 Rcorrect |
| 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 | 51correct |
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 D 538 S have?
The Hermann Lanz D 538 S delivers 40 hp.
How much does the Hermann Lanz D 538 S weigh?
The unladen weight is 1,520 kg.
What engine does the Hermann Lanz D 538 S have?
3 cylinders, 2,232 cm³ displacement, Diesel.
How fast does the Hermann Lanz D 538 S go?
Top speed is 20 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the Hermann Lanz D 538 S?
3,300 mm × 1,040 mm × 1,230 mm.
When was the Hermann Lanz D 538 S built?
Production years: 10/1966–6/1973.
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 23 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: Wikibooks Traktorenlexikon (CC BY-SA 4.0) (retrieved August 2026) · How we check the data
Tractor in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.
