Primus PD 1 E
Built: 1953–1958 · Series: PD-Baureihe
More machines from model year 1953
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Primus PD series: four small diesel tractors from PD 1 B to PD-3 B, 8.8 to 22.1 kW (12 to 30 hp) from one- to three-cylinder engines of 851 to 2,827cc, 950 to 1,900 kg kerb weight, for small farms and specialist crops
The PD series brings together in the register four small diesel tractors from the Primus brand: PD 1 B, PD 1 E, PD-2 W and PD-3 B. The B, E and W suffixes indicate different versions within the model range; the numbering from 1 to 3 ranks the types by build size. These are one- to three-cylinder small tractors in the lower power segment. Their low weight made such tractors easy to transport and manoeuvre in a farmyard.
Read on 3 more paragraphs
The register lists 4 versions with 8.8 to 22.1 kW, or 12 to 30 hp, from one- to three-cylinder engines of 851 to 2,827cc, kerb weights from 950 to 1,900 kg, lengths from 2,580 to 3,000 mm, widths from 1,500 to 1,580 mm, heights from 1,270 to 1,700 mm and rated speeds from 1,500 to 2,000 rpm.
In this power segment, small tractors such as the PD series served smaller farms and specialist crops, where low weight and compact dimensions mattered more than high drawbar pull; they occupied a niche between single-axle tractors and full-scale farm tractors. Similar small tractors of this era were often shared between neighbouring smallholdings.
When buying used, check clutch and gearbox condition, diesel engine oil-tightness, axle and steering condition, and corrosion on the chassis and bodywork; given the small production numbers, it is worth checking before purchase whether spare parts can still be sourced at all.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Primus PD-Baureihe
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | dieselcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 12 hp (8.8 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 2,000 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 1correct |
| Displacement | 851 cm³correct |
| Bore | 95 mmcorrect |
| Stroke | 120 mmcorrect |
| Injection pressure | 125 barcorrect |
| Cooling | water-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 2,580 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,500 mmcorrect |
| Height | 1,500 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 1,625 mmcorrect |
| Ground clearance | 340 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 980 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 5 V/1 Rcorrect |
| Forward gears | 5correct |
| Reverse gears | 1correct |
| Front tyres | 4.00-15 ASFcorrect |
| Rear tyres | 7-24 AScorrect |
| 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: 9 kW/t (9 kW / 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 Primus PD 1 E have?
The Primus PD 1 E delivers 12 hp.
How much does the Primus PD 1 E weigh?
The unladen weight is 980 kg.
What engine does the Primus PD 1 E have?
1 cylinders, 851 cm³ displacement, Diesel.
How fast does the Primus PD 1 E go?
Top speed is 20 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the Primus PD 1 E?
2,580 mm × 1,500 mm × 1,500 mm.
When was the Primus PD 1 E built?
Production years: 1953–1958.
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 26 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]
Tractor in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.