Kramer KC 17
Built: 9/1956–9/1956 · Series: KC
More machines from model year 1956
Not the right version? The data comes from vehicle registers holding many near-identical versions side by side. Photograph the data plate — we read make and type from it. Open the scanner e-mail address required
Kramer KC 17 (KC series): air-cooled two-cylinder diesel with 12.6 kW at 2,000 rpm for smaller post-war farm operations, built in 1956
The KC series belonged to Kramer-Werke's early post-war programme, at a time when numerous German manufacturers offered small, affordable tractors for smallholdings. The air-cooled KC 17 represents this simple, low-maintenance design at the lower end of the power scale of the period.
Read on 3 more paragraphs
The KC 17 is powered by an air-cooled two-cylinder diesel engine of 1,305 cm³ displacement, delivering 12.6 kW, or 17 hp, at 2,000 rpm. At a kerb weight of 1,220 kg, the tractor is 2,700 mm long, 1,470 mm wide and 1,510 mm high, with a wheelbase of 1,725 mm. Its design top speed is 20 km/h.
With a top speed of 20 km/h, the KC 17 falls into driving licence category L. The air-cooled two-cylinder engine dispenses with a water cooling circuit, water pump and antifreeze, making it robust against frost and limiting maintenance to the fan, oil level and cooling fins — typical advantages of this design for smaller and medium-sized farms in the 1950s.
When buying a used air-cooled small tractor of this age, the cooling fins on the cylinder block and the operation of the fan are the first things to check, since dirt or damage here quickly leads to overheating. The gearbox and steering should be checked for play and unusual noises. As the KC 17 is a rare model, long waits for spare parts should be expected.
Sources: SpecCodex-Register: Kennwerte des Modells Kramer KC 17, Kramer (manufacturer)
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | dieselcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 17 hp (12.6 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 2,000 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 2correct |
| Displacement | 1,305 cm³correct |
| Bore | 85 mmcorrect |
| Stroke | 115 mmcorrect |
| Injection pressure | 140 barcorrect |
| Cooling | air-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 2,700 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,470 mmcorrect |
| Height | 1,510 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 1,725 mmcorrect |
| Ground clearance | 300 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 1,220 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 5/1 or 10/2correct |
| Front tyres | 4.50 x 16correct |
| Rear tyres | 8.00 x 20correct |
| Top speed | 20 km/hcorrect |
Working data
| Fuel tank capacity | 18 lcorrect |
|---|
Origin and approval
| Construction | unit construction (no separate frame)correct |
|---|
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 10.3 kW/t (13 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 KC 17 have?
The Kramer KC 17 delivers 17 hp.
How much does the Kramer KC 17 weigh?
The unladen weight is 1,220 kg.
What engine does the Kramer KC 17 have?
2 cylinders, 1,305 cm³ displacement, Diesel.
How fast does the Kramer KC 17 go?
Top speed is 20 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the Kramer KC 17?
2,700 mm × 1,470 mm × 1,510 mm.
When was the Kramer KC 17 built?
Production years: 9/1956–9/1956.
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.
We do not sell machines. We ask the dealers who carry this model and come back with price and lead time.
Request a quote →
We ask the suppliers and come back with price and lead time.
Request spare parts →
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.
Missing a figure you were looking for? Report it →
Know this machine better? Have a photo, a manual, or know that a figure is wrong? Add it to the register →
Sources: [1]
Tractor in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.