Skip to content

Exceptional individual triumphs in his field, earning frequent praise as he revs up his tractor.

each time Gerhard Knupfer cranks up his 1950s tractor, an eruption of clapping usually ensues. In this piece, the 67-year-old shares the reasons behind the unique charm of his vintage machinery.

Unique individual consistently receives applause as he successfully starts the tractor.
Unique individual consistently receives applause as he successfully starts the tractor.

Exceptional individual triumphs in his field, earning frequent praise as he revs up his tractor.

In the world of vintage agricultural machinery, the Fendt-Dieselross F15 tractor from the 1950s is a true gem. Gerhard Knupfer, a member of Traktorfreunde Dotternhausen, is proud to own one of the 813 models ever built, a rarity that is seldom seen at oldtimer meetings.

Produced in Marktoberdorf, Allgäu region, the Fendt-Dieselross F15 is a testament to the innovative design and engineering of its time. Its 1178 cubic centimeter displacement and 4-speed gearbox make it a powerful and practical machine for farming tasks.

One unique feature that sets this tractor apart is its glow plug system, a rare feature for tractors of its age. This system ensures easy starting, even in cold weather, a feature that Knupfer found particularly useful during his tractor's maiden voyage in Nürtingen, which was initially stuck due to cold weather.

The engine of Knupfer's Fendt-Dieselross is an MWM model, produced in Mannheim, and it has a single cylinder. The tractor's battery has a voltage of 6 volts, a common feature for tractors of this era.

Knupfer, who also has a sheep cart for camping, added a "trunk" to his Fendt-Dieselross, enhancing its practicality. Despite its value and rarity, Knupfer has no plans to buy more tractors due to lack of garage space.

At oldtimer meetings, Knupfer's Fendt-Dieselross is a crowd favourite. The tractor's distinctive design and historical significance make it a valuable find for collectors. Its engine roar and the sight of its one-cylinder engine are applauded by spectators, reminding us of the transition from manual labor to mechanized farming.

In some regions, particularly in Germany, the Fendt-Dieselross is celebrated as an icon of agricultural heritage, symbolizing the post-war modernization of farming practices. With its rarity, unique features, and historical significance, the Fendt-Dieselross F15 is undoubtedly a treasure for those who appreciate the history of agricultural machinery.

The Fendt-Dieselross F15, a testament to innovative design born in the Allgäu region of Germany, not only charms vintage machinery enthusiasts with its rarity but also offers a distinctive lifestyle for its owner. Knupfer, the proud owner of this gem, enhances its practicality for his camping trips by adding a "trunk" to his tractor, reflecting his home-and-garden preferences.

Read also:

    Latest