Ruhrwerke 15 PS
Built: 1911–1914 · Series: Zugmaschine
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Ruhrwerke Zugmaschine – traction engines of 15, 30 and 50 hp, two- to four-cylinder engines, weights of around 1,800 to 6,000 kg, 600 to 800 rpm
The Ruhrwerke traction engines are recorded in the register in three power steps whose type designations directly name the engine power in hp: 15 hp, 30 hp and 50 hp. Cylinder count rises with the power step, from two on the smallest to four on the largest version, a principle common on traction engines of this type, raising output through displacement rather than a higher engine speed.
Read on 3 more paragraphs
The register lists here 3 versions with 15 to 50 hp from two- to four-cylinder engines, weights from around 1,800 kg on the 15-hp version to around 6,000 kg on the 50-hp version, and a rated speed of 600 to 800 rpm.
With a rated speed of only 600 to 800 rpm, these traction engines rank among the slow-running, robustly built engines typical of continuous pulling and drive duty in agriculture and industry in the first half of the 20th century; the weight, rising sharply with power, points to a correspondingly massive design built for durability.
On a used example of these traction engines, the condition of the crankshaft and bearings of the slow-running engine, the tightness of the cylinders and cooling system, rust on the frame and sheet-metal parts, and the condition of the drive belt or clutch all count; given the high age and limited spread of these machines, spare parts can usually only be sourced through specialist collectors or by remanufacture.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Ruhrwerke Zugmaschine
Technical data
Engine
| Power | 15 hpcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 15 hpcorrect |
| Rated speed | 600-800 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 2correct |
Dimensions and weights
| Unladen weight | 1,800 kgcorrect |
|---|
Drivetrain and chassis
| Front tyres | Stahl 800x130 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Rear tyres | Stahl 950x200 mmcorrect |
| Top speed | 8 km/hcorrect |
Origin and approval
| Construction | frame constructioncorrect |
|---|
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 6.1 kW/t (11 kW / 1.8 t)
Power class: Compact (< 40 hp)
Stronger than 4% 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 Ruhrwerke 15 PS have?
The Ruhrwerke 15 PS delivers 15 hp.
How much does the Ruhrwerke 15 PS weigh?
The unladen weight is 1,800 kg.
What engine does the Ruhrwerke 15 PS have?
2 cylinders.
How fast does the Ruhrwerke 15 PS go?
Top speed is 8 km/h.
When was the Ruhrwerke 15 PS built?
Production years: 1911–1914.
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.
- 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 9 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
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