Kramer KB 12
Built: 6/1952–9/1953 · Series: KB-Reihe
More machines from model year 1952
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Kramer KB: light post-war tractors for reconstruction – one- and two-cylinder engines with 6.6 to 18.3 kW (9 to 25 hp), 503 to 1,843 cm³ displacement
The KB series emerged in the 1950s, when West Germany's reconstruction demanded above all light, affordable tractors for smaller farms. Kramer consistently positioned this series below its stronger K models.
Read on 4 more paragraphs
The register lists 16 live models, from the KB 10 to the KB 25, built between 1951 and 1959. Output ranges from 6.6 to 18.3 kW, or 9 to 25 hp, weight from 750 to 1,620 kg, displacement from 503 to 1,843 cm3, across one- and two-cylinder engines.
With kerb weights often under a tonne and simple single-cylinder technology, the KB series targeted small farms that could not yet afford a full-size K-class tractor.
The tight model spacing in five-horsepower steps (KB 10, KB 12, KB 14 and so on) let buyers choose the power class that exactly matched their farm's needs.
With output up to 18.3 kW, the KB series stayed entirely within the smallest three-point category 0 under ISO 730; the PTO ran single-speed at 540 rpm, as was typical for small tractors of the period. Since Kramer fully abandoned tractor building as early as 1973, original parts for the KB series are now scarce and mainly sourced through specialist vintage-machinery dealers. The simple technology at least makes it easier to reproduce individual wear parts. Anyone looking for a KB will find help through collector circles more readily than through the open parts trade.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Kramer KB-Reihe
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | dieselcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 12 hp (8.8 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 2,000 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 1correct |
| Displacement | 815 cm³correct |
| Cooling | water-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 2,440 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,500 mmcorrect |
| Height | 1,450 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 1,570 mmcorrect |
| Ground clearance | 300 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 1,100 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 6/2-manual gearbox gearboxcorrect |
| Forward gears | 6correct |
| Reverse gears | 2correct |
| Front tyres | 4.00-15, 4.50-16, 5.00-16correct |
| Rear tyres | 7-24, 8-24, 7-30, 8-20correct |
| Top speed | 19 km/hcorrect |
Working data
| Fuel tank capacity | 18 lcorrect |
|---|
Origin and approval
| Construction | frameless unit constructioncorrect |
|---|---|
| Units built | 1,398correct |
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 8 kW/t (9 kW / 1.1 t)
Power class: Compact (< 40 hp)
Stronger than 2% 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 KB 12 have?
The Kramer KB 12 delivers 12 hp.
How much does the Kramer KB 12 weigh?
The unladen weight is 1,100 kg.
What engine does the Kramer KB 12 have?
1 cylinders, 815 cm³ displacement, Diesel.
How fast does the Kramer KB 12 go?
Top speed is 19 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the Kramer KB 12?
2,440 mm × 1,500 mm × 1,450 mm.
When was the Kramer KB 12 built?
Production years: 6/1952–9/1953.
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 24 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
KB 10
KB 14
KB 150 Schmalspur
KB 17
KB 17 S
KB 180
KB 180 Schmalspur
KB 22 C
KB 22 W
KB 220
KB 25
KB 25 L
Sources: [1]
Tractor in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.