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Kaelble Z 3 (S)

Built: 1929–1941 · Series: Z

More machines from model year 1929

The photo shows the Z1 Suevia AD 17 from the same series. Source: https://de.wikibooks.org/wiki/Traktorenlexikon:_Kaelble

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The Kaelble Z 3 (S) belongs to the Z series. Production: 1929–1941. The engine delivers 45 hp (33.1 kW), has 3 cylinders, with a displacement of 7,312 cm³. Rated speed is 1,000 rpm. The machine is 3,500 mm long, 1,950 mm wide and 2,150 mm high. The unladen weight is 3,500 kg. The wheelbase measures 2,160 mm. Top speed is 32 km/h. Transmission: 4V+R. The engine is water-cooled. The fuel is Rohöl. Construction: frameless unit construction. The Z series covers 4 models. Rated output within it ranges from 30 to 45 hp; the Z 3 (S) sits at the top of that range with 45 hp. Its immediate neighbours are the Z1 Suevia AD 17 below it with 30 hp. Unladen weight within it ranges from 2,750 to 3,500 kg; here the Z 3 (S) sits at the top of that range with 3,500 kg. 7 Kaelble models across 3 series are on record.

Kaelble Z – tractors and prime movers from Backnang (1930s to 1950s), Z1 Suevia to Z2 A with two- and three-cylinder crude-oil engines, 22 to 33 kW at 1,000 rpm

Kaelble built tractors and prime movers in Backnang near Stuttgart, whose Z series is listed here with the models Z1 Suevia AD 17, Z2, Z2 A and Z3. All four versions run crude-oil engines that could process cheaper, less refined oil instead of expensive petrol or diesel, at a rated speed of 1,000 rpm. After the Second World War, Kaelble was among the firms that carried pre-war technology forward with simple, robust crude-oil engines, before diesel engines took over the market.

Read on 3 more paragraphs

The register lists here 4 versions with 22.1 to 33.1 kW (30 to 45 hp) from two- and three-cylinder engines displacing 4,875 to 7,312 cc. Unladen weights range from 2,750 to 3,500 kg, length, width and height from 3,400 to 3,500 mm, 1,750 to 1,950 mm and 1,730 to 2,150 mm.

In the 1930s to 1950s, Kaelble was among the smaller German makers of prime movers, used alongside agriculture in construction and as heavy hauling tractors, before the company later moved into heavy construction vehicles and articulated dump trucks. Machines of this type were also used outside agriculture as shunting and heavy-duty haulage vehicles on factory premises.

When buying these pre-war and early post-war machines, what counts above all is the condition of the crude-oil engine and ignition system, the tightness of the cooling and fuel systems, and rust on the frame and bodywork; parts are now only obtainable through collectors and vintage-vehicle specialists.

Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Kaelble Z

Technical data

Engine

Fuel	Rohölcorrect
Power	45 hp (33.1 kW)correct
Rated speed	1,000 rpmcorrect
Cylinders	3correct
Displacement	7,312 cm³correct
Cooling	water-cooledcorrect

Dimensions and weights

Length	3,500 mmcorrect
Width	1,950 mmcorrect
Height	2,150 mmcorrect
Wheelbase	2,160 mmcorrect
Unladen weight	3,500 kgcorrect

Drivetrain and chassis

Drive	rear-wheel drivecorrect
Gearbox	4V+Rcorrect
Top speed	32 km/hcorrect

Origin and approval

Construction	frameless unit constructioncorrect
Units built	305 mit Traktorenlexikon: Kaelble Z3 A \|Z 3 Acorrect

Where this model stands

Power-to-weight ratio: 9.5 kW/t (33 kW / 3.5 t)

Power class: Universal (40–100 hp)

Stronger than 29% 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 Kaelble Z 3 (S) have?

The Kaelble Z 3 (S) delivers 45 hp.

How much does the Kaelble Z 3 (S) weigh?

The unladen weight is 3,500 kg.

What engine does the Kaelble Z 3 (S) have?

3 cylinders, 7,312 cm³ displacement, Rohöl.

How fast does the Kaelble Z 3 (S) go?

Top speed is 32 km/h.

What are the dimensions of the Kaelble Z 3 (S)?

3,500 mm × 1,950 mm × 2,150 mm.

When was the Kaelble Z 3 (S) built?

Production years: 1929–1941.

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.
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 18 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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