Kaelble Z
4 models in this series
Kaelble Z – tractors and prime movers from Backnang (1930s to 1950s), Z1 Suevia to Z2 A with two- and three-cylinder crude-oil engines, 22 to 33 kW at 1,000 rpm
Kaelble built tractors and prime movers in Backnang near Stuttgart, whose Z series is listed here with the models Z1 Suevia AD 17, Z2, Z2 A and Z3. All four versions run crude-oil engines that could process cheaper, less refined oil instead of expensive petrol or diesel, at a rated speed of 1,000 rpm. After the Second World War, Kaelble was among the firms that carried pre-war technology forward with simple, robust crude-oil engines, before diesel engines took over the market.
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The register lists here 4 versions with 22.1 to 33.1 kW (30 to 45 hp) from two- and three-cylinder engines displacing 4,875 to 7,312 cc. Unladen weights range from 2,750 to 3,500 kg, length, width and height from 3,400 to 3,500 mm, 1,750 to 1,950 mm and 1,730 to 2,150 mm.
In the 1930s to 1950s, Kaelble was among the smaller German makers of prime movers, used alongside agriculture in construction and as heavy hauling tractors, before the company later moved into heavy construction vehicles and articulated dump trucks. Machines of this type were also used outside agriculture as shunting and heavy-duty haulage vehicles on factory premises.
When buying these pre-war and early post-war machines, what counts above all is the condition of the crude-oil engine and ignition system, the tightness of the cooling and fuel systems, and rust on the frame and bodywork; parts are now only obtainable through collectors and vintage-vehicle specialists.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Kaelble Z
Models compared
4 of 4 models.
| Z 3 (S)1929–1941 | Z1 Suevia AD 171926–1928 | Z2 (S)1928–1939 | Z2 A1932–1933 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 33.1 kW | 22.1 kW | 22.1 kW | 22.1 kW |
| Rated speed | 1,000 rpm | 1,000 rpm | 1,000 rpm | 1,000 rpm |
| Cylinders | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Displacement | 7,312 cm³ | 4,875 cm³ | 4,875 cm³ | 4,875 cm³ |
| Top speed | 32 km/h | – | 15 km/h | 12 km/h |
| Wheelbase | 2,160 mm | – | 1,950 mm | 1,950 mm |
| Length | 3,500 mm | – | 3,400 mm | 3,400 mm |
| Width | 1,950 mm | – | 1,750 mm | 1,750 mm |
| Height | 2,150 mm | – | 1,730 mm | 1,730 mm |
| Unladen weight | 3,500 kg | 3,500 kg | 3,000 kg | 2,750 kg |
Models
Tractor in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.
Z1 Suevia AD 17
The Z series from Kaelble includes the Z1 Suevia AD 17. Production: 1926–1928. The engine delivers 30 hp (22.1 kW),...
Z2 (S)
With the Z2 (S), Kaelble offers a model from the Z series. Production: 1928–1939. The engine delivers 30 hp (22.1...
Z2 A
The Z2 A from Kaelble is part of the Z series. Production: 1932–1933. The engine delivers 30 hp (22.1 kW), has 2...
KaelbleZ 3 (S)no photoZ 3 (S)
The Kaelble Z 3 (S) belongs to the Z series. Production: 1929–1941. The engine delivers 45 hp (33.1 kW), has 3...