Primus PD-Baureihe
4 models in this series
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.
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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
Models compared
4 of 4 models.
| PD 1 B1956–1958 | PD 1 E1953–1958 | PD-2 W1957 | PD-3 B1956–1957 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 8.8 kW | 8.8 kW | 17.7 kW | 22.1 kW |
| Rated speed | 2,000 rpm | 2,000 rpm | 2,000 rpm | 1,500 rpm |
| Cylinders | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Displacement | 905 cm³ | 851 cm³ | 1,701 cm³ | 2,827 cm³ |
| Fuel tank capacity | 18 l | 18 l | 30 l | 35 l |
| Forward gears | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Reverse gears | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Top speed | 16 km/h | 20 km/h | 20 km/h | 20 km/h |
| Wheelbase | 1,675 mm | 1,625 mm | 1,800 mm | 1,820 mm |
| Length | 2,650 mm | 2,580 mm | 3,000 mm | 3,000 mm |
| Width | 1,500 mm | 1,500 mm | 1,550 mm | 1,580 mm |
| Height | 1,270 mm | 1,500 mm | 1,600 mm | 1,700 mm |
| Unladen weight | 950 kg | 980 kg | 1,380 kg | 1,900 kg |
Models
Tractor in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.
PD 1 B
The Primus PD 1 B is a model in the PD series. Production: 1956–1958. The engine delivers 12 hp (8.8 kW), has 1...
PD 1 E
With the PD 1 E, Primus offers a model from the PD series. Production: 1953–1958. The engine delivers 12 hp (8.8...
PD-2 W
The PD-2 W from Primus is part of the PD series. Production: 1957. The engine delivers 24 hp (17.7 kW), has 2...
PD-3 B
The PD series from Primus includes the PD-3 B. Production: 1956–1957. The engine delivers 30 hp (22.1 kW), has 3...