Eicher ED 16 - ED 33

In 1948, the popular ED 16 equipped with Eicher's first own engine was launched. The 1-cylinder, 1.4-liter air-cooled direct-injection diesel produced 16 hp. This engine was the first air-cooled diesel in a tractor, a couple of years before Deutz. Eicher already had prior experience with air-cooled aircraft engines. On the right side of the engine was the cooling air fan.

The ZF transmission initially had 4+1 gears, and from 1950 onwards, 5+1. A crawler gear was available as an option, as in most later Eicher models. The clutch in all Eichers was manufactured by F & S, and the steering gear almost always by ZF. Unlike many other German manufacturers, Eicher produced their own hydraulics.

In the ED 22 introduced in 1953, the cylinder bore was larger, producing 22 hp.

The first model equipped with a 2-cylinder Eicher engine was the short-lived ED 30 in 1955. It corresponded to the L 28 model except for the engine. The actual production model came the following year with the 2.8-liter ED 33. Both of these models had a four-wheel drive version, with wheels of equal size front and rear. The four-wheel drive was always engaged, and there was no differential between the front and rear axles, so maneuverability was not commendable.

A special feature of the 2-cylinder Eicher engine was the separate cooling fan for the cooling fins of each cylinder and the cylinder head. All models had a front axle suspended by two transverse leaf springs and a differential lock.

At this stage, Eicher also focused heavily on manufacturing tractor-mounted implements. For example, there was a wide range of plows and mowing machines. Tractor sales also went well, and the brand became respected. At its peak, Eicher was Germany’s 3rd most popular brand in 1957. Eicher production in India began in 1959.