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Kramer KB 17

Built: 1953–1956 · Series: KB-Reihe

More machines from model year 1953

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27785084 up

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With the KB 17, Kramer offers a model from the KB-Reihe series. Production: 1953–1956. The engine delivers 17 hp (12.4 kW), has 2 cylinders, with a displacement of 1,296 cm³. Rated speed is 1,800 rpm. The machine is 2,680 mm long, 1,470 mm wide and 1,510 mm high. The unladen weight is 1,225 kg. The wheelbase measures 1,725 mm. Ground clearance is 350 mm. Top speed is 19.8 km/h. The engine is water-cooled. Tyres: front 4.50-16, rear 8-20. The fuel is diesel. Construction: frameless unit construction. The gearbox offers 6 forward gears. There are also 2 reverse gears. Around 2944 units were built. The KB-Reihe series covers 16 models. Rated output within it ranges from 9 to 25 hp; the KB 17 sits in the middle of that range with 17 hp. Its immediate neighbours are the KB 150 Schmalspur below it with 14 hp and the KB 180 above it with 18 hp. Unladen weight within it ranges from 750 to 1,620 kg; here the KB 17 sits in the middle of that range with 1,225 kg. 137 Kramer models across 20 series are on record.

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

Fueldieselcorrect
Power17 hp (12.4 kW)correct
Rated speed1,800 rpmcorrect
Cylinders2correct
Displacement1,296 cm³correct
Coolingwater-cooledcorrect

Dimensions and weights

Length2,680 mmcorrect
Width1,470 mmcorrect
Height1,510 mmcorrect
Wheelbase1,725 mmcorrect
Ground clearance350 mmcorrect
Unladen weight1,225 kgcorrect

Drivetrain and chassis

Driverear-wheel drivecorrect
Gearbox6/2-Getriebecorrect
Forward gears6correct
Reverse gears2correct
Front tyres4.50-16correct
Rear tyres8-20correct
Top speed19.8 km/hcorrect

Origin and approval

Constructionframeless unit constructioncorrect
Units built2,944correct

Where this model stands

Power-to-weight ratio: 10.1 kW/t (12 kW / 1.2 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 KB 17 have?

The Kramer KB 17 delivers 17 hp.

How much does the Kramer KB 17 weigh?

The unladen weight is 1,225 kg.

What engine does the Kramer KB 17 have?

2 cylinders, 1,296 cm³ displacement, Diesel.

How fast does the Kramer KB 17 go?

Top speed is 19.8 km/h.

What are the dimensions of the Kramer KB 17?

2,680 mm × 1,470 mm × 1,510 mm.

When was the Kramer KB 17 built?

Production years: 1953–1956.

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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Other models in this series

KB 10

KB 12

KB 14

KB 150 Schmalspur

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.

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