Steyr 185 a
Built: 1958–1967 · Series: 13er-Baureihe
More machines from model year 1958
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Steyr 180/280: the early post-war tractors from St. Valentin, from the 180 a to the Steyr 84, 12.1 to 50 kW (16.5 to 68 hp), one- to four-cylinder engines with water cooling
After the Second World War, Steyr achieved its breakthrough in tractor building with simple, rugged models from St. Valentin, bundled in this series — the foundation of Steyr's later reputation as a maker of low-maintenance tractors.
Read on 4 more paragraphs
The register lists 9 live models, from the 180 a to the Steyr 84, built between 1952 and 1968. Output ranges from 12.1 to 50 kW, or 16.5 to 68 hp, weight from 1,250 to 3,150 kg, displacement from 1,330 to 5,322 cm3, across one- to four-cylinder engines.
With simple one- and two-cylinder engines at the lower end and stronger four-cylinder models at the top, this early series already covered a remarkable power spectrum for the 1950s.
These tractors were central to Austria's agricultural reconstruction and laid the foundation for Steyr's market position, which held until the CNH takeover in 1996.
The smallest single-cylinder models in this early series had no electric starter and were hand-cranked, typical of the simple, low-maintenance design of the 1950s; a PTO at the 540 rpm speed still standard today was already fitted. When viewing surviving examples, it is worth checking the starting crank or starter, the ignition magneto or glow-plug system, and the condition of the still-exposed drivetrain parts, since these machines have none of today's safety features such as a roll-over protective structure.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Steyr 13er-Baureihe, Steyr
Technical data
Engine
| Fuel | dieselcorrect |
|---|---|
| Power | 55 hp (40.5 kW)correct |
| Rated speed | 1,850 rpmcorrect |
| Cylinders | 3correct |
| Displacement | 3,991 cm³correct |
| Bore | 110 mmcorrect |
| Stroke | 140 mmcorrect |
| Compression ratio | 21correct |
| Cooling | water-cooledcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 3,345 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,865 mmcorrect |
| Height | 2,180 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 2,060 mmcorrect |
| Ground clearance | 400 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 2,800 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Drive | rear-wheel drivecorrect |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 6V/1R or 7V/1R and 9V/2Rcorrect |
| Front tyres | 6.50-20 ASFcorrect |
| Rear tyres | 13-30 AScorrect |
| Top speed | 25 km/hcorrect |
Working data
| Fuel tank capacity | 100 lcorrect |
|---|
Origin and approval
| Construction | unit construction (no separate frame)correct |
|---|---|
| Units built | 2,956correct |
Other data
| Linkage category | Cat IIcorrect |
|---|
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 14.5 kW/t (40 kW / 2.8 t)
Power class: Universal (40–100 hp)
Stronger than 38% 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 Steyr 185 a have?
The Steyr 185 a delivers 55 hp.
How much does the Steyr 185 a weigh?
The unladen weight is 2,800 kg.
What engine does the Steyr 185 a have?
3 cylinders, 3,991 cm³ displacement, Diesel.
How fast does the Steyr 185 a go?
Top speed is 25 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the Steyr 185 a?
3,345 mm × 1,865 mm × 2,180 mm.
When was the Steyr 185 a built?
Production years: 1958–1967.
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
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