Schlepperwerk Nordhausen RT 315 ( Famulus 36 )
Built: 1960–1964 · Series: RS 14
More machines from model year 1960
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Schlepperwerk Nordhausen RS 14 (Famulus): the East German field tractor of the 1950s from Thuringia, four versions from Famulus 46 to RT 325, 22.06 to 33.8 kW from consistently two-cylinder engines
The RS 14 series represents the Famulus, the best-known tractor of VEB Schlepperwerk Nordhausen in Thuringia; from the mid-1950s it was one of the first post-war field tractors newly developed in East Germany. The models Famulus 46, RS 14/30, RS 14/36 and RT 325, which also traded as Famulus 40, show the various designations under which the tractor was marketed over its production run.
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The register lists 4 versions with 22.06 to 33.8 kW from consistently two-cylinder engines of 3,012 to 3,280cc, kerb weights from 2,065 to 2,580 kg, lengths from 3,336 to 3,410 mm, a consistent width of 1,700 mm, heights from 2,380 to 2,395 mm and rated speeds from 1,500 to 2,000 rpm.
The Famulus was designed as a universal field tractor for East Germany's agricultural production cooperatives and stood for the post-war search for an independent East German tractor design, before production was later phased out in favour of other series from the East German tractor industry. It nonetheless remains one of the best-remembered East German tractors nationwide.
When buying such East German tractors, check the condition of the two-cylinder diesel engine, cooling system and hydraulic tightness, clutch and gearbox wear, and corrosion on the chassis and bodywork; spare parts for the Famulus today are mainly found through specialist vintage vehicle clubs and collectors in Germany.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Schlepperwerk Nordhausen RS 14
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | dieselcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 33 hp (24.3 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 1500/ 1650 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 2correct |
| Displacement | 3,280 cm³correct |
| Bore | 120 mmcorrect |
| Stroke | 145 mmcorrect |
| Compression ratio | 17.5correct |
| Cooling | air-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 3,336 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,700 mmcorrect |
| Height | 2,395 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 1,936 mmcorrect |
| Ground clearance | 450 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 2,540 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 10V / 2Rcorrect |
| Front tyres | 6.00 - 20 AScorrect |
| Rear tyres | 11 - 38 AScorrect |
| Top speed | 26 km/hcorrect |
Origin and approval
| Construction | unit construction (no separate frame)correct |
|---|
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 9.6 kW/t (24 kW / 2.5 t)
Power class: Compact (< 40 hp)
Stronger than 19% 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 Schlepperwerk Nordhausen RT 315 ( Famulus 36 ) have?
The Schlepperwerk Nordhausen RT 315 ( Famulus 36 ) delivers 33 hp.
How much does the Schlepperwerk Nordhausen RT 315 ( Famulus 36 ) weigh?
The unladen weight is 2,540 kg.
What engine does the Schlepperwerk Nordhausen RT 315 ( Famulus 36 ) have?
2 cylinders, 3,280 cm³ displacement, Diesel.
How fast does the Schlepperwerk Nordhausen RT 315 ( Famulus 36 ) go?
Top speed is 26 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the Schlepperwerk Nordhausen RT 315 ( Famulus 36 )?
3,336 mm × 1,700 mm × 2,395 mm.
When was the Schlepperwerk Nordhausen RT 315 ( Famulus 36 ) built?
Production years: 1960–1964.
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 22 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: Wikibooks Traktorenlexikon (CC BY-SA 4.0) (retrieved August 2026) · Values adopted and presented in our own form; changes from the source are possible. · How we check the data
Tractor in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.
