Kramer GL 18
Built: 1933–1936 · Series: GL-Reihe
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Kramer GL: the first tractors from Gutmadingen – single-cylinder engines with 6.6 to 13 kW (9 to 18 hp), 942 to 1,639 cm³ displacement, evaporative cooling
In 1925 the Kramer brothers began building small engines and tractors in Gutmadingen, Baden — the GL series is among the earliest models from these founding years, well before the company headquarters moved to Überlingen in 1952.
Read on 4 more paragraphs
The register lists 6 live models, from the GL 9 to the GL 18, built between 1933 and 1936. Output ranges from 6.6 to 13 kW, or 9 to 18 hp, weight from 1,100 to 1,300 kg, displacement from 942 to 1,639 cm3, all with single-cylinder engines.
With their single-cylinder hot-bulb or early diesel engines and modest output under 20 hp, the GL tractors targeted small farms switching from horse-drawn to engine-powered work for the first time.
As one of the oldest series in the register, the GL series marks the starting point of Kramer's tractor history, which continued until the company gave up tractor building in 1973 in favour of construction machinery.
The evaporative cooling noted in the register needed no pump or radiator: water heated in the engine evaporated in an open tank, carrying away heat, and had to be topped up regularly. With output under 20 hp, the GL models fell into the smallest three-point category 0 under ISO 730. As one of the oldest recorded designs, the GL series likewise has correspondingly limited parts availability. Restorations therefore often rely on home-made replacements for smaller wear parts.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Kramer GL-Reihe
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | dieselcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 18 hp (13 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 1,500 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 1correct |
| Displacement | 1,126 cm³correct |
| Cooling | water-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 2,400 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,300 mmcorrect |
| Height | 1,300 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 1,300 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 4/1correct |
| Rear tyres | 6-20correct |
| Top speed | 8 km/hcorrect |
Origin and approval
| Units built | 218correct |
|---|
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 10 kW/t (13 kW / 1.3 t)
Power class: Compact (< 40 hp)
Stronger than 5% 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 Kramer GL 18 have?
The Kramer GL 18 delivers 18 hp.
How much does the Kramer GL 18 weigh?
The unladen weight is 1,300 kg.
What engine does the Kramer GL 18 have?
1 cylinders, 1,126 cm³ displacement, Diesel.
How fast does the Kramer GL 18 go?
Top speed is 8 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the Kramer GL 18?
2,400 mm × 1,300 mm × 1,300 mm.
When was the Kramer GL 18 built?
Production years: 1933–1936.
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 17 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]
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