Hela

The 1974 novelty D 634 was the successor to the D 534. The MWM engine was a 2-cylinder 2.1-liter instead of the predecessor’s 3-cylinder. The Hela gearbox was a new 8+2-speed, and the road speed had increased to 28 km/h.

For 1978, the D 634’s engine was replaced with an air-cooled 3-cylinder. A year later, the model designation changed to D 635 L when the gearbox was changed to 10+2-speed.

In 1977, after a short break, Hela introduced a small tractor. The 24-horsepower D 424 had a 2-cylinder 1.5-liter MWM engine and Hela’s 6+2-speed gearbox.

In 1978, the construction machinery group IBH, which also owned Zettelmeyer, became the owner of Hela. Tractor production ended at the beginning of 1980, and the factory continued manufacturing the Zetcat small loader. In total, just over 30,000 Hela tractors were produced.

Tractors

Hela D 424, D 634 - D 635

The last of the Hela tractor generation was started with the D 542 in 1972. All engines were now manufactured by MWM. The D 542 initially had a 2.6-liter and later a 3.1-liter 3-cylinder engine. The transmission was Hela’s 10+2. Hydrostatic steering was available as an option, and the power take-off was 2-speed, but otherwise, the latest features were not included in the equipment. Besides green and red, orange was also available as a color option. A 50-horsepower model D 546 was made for France.

The D 648 A was a 48-horsepower four-wheel drive model. Its 16+8 transmission and front axle were sourced from Steyr.

The last new Hela model was the D 255 introduced in 1978, a 3-cylinder 55-horsepower model available with rear-wheel and four-wheel drive. The 16+8 transmission made by Steyr was partially synchronized.

Production of these models remained under a total of 1,000 units. Exports were limited to individual units, mainly to France and the Benelux countries.

Hela D 542, D 648, D 255

Introduced in 1968, the D 532 was the successor to the D 230 model. The Hela engine was replaced by a 3-cylinder 2.2-liter MWM. The 6+2 gearbox was available in either 20 or 25 km/h versions. The same model was exported to France and Belgium with power increased to 35 horsepower.

The D 527 replaced the earlier D 225. The 2.2-liter Hela engine was replaced by a 1.5-liter high-speed MWM. The 20 km/h version had 24 hp and the 25 km/h version 27 hp.

The D 340 A was a 40 hp four-wheel-drive tractor equipped with a 2.2-liter MWM. The 8+4 gearbox and front axle were produced by ZF. Power transmission to the front axle ran on the left side of the engine.

From these models onwards, Hela reported the tractor height up to the steering wheel, following the practice of other manufacturers. A selling point in advertisements was that the tractors featured powder coating, available in either red or green.

Hela D 527 - D 532, D 340

The D 540 and D 548 were the first Hela models equipped with the new two-part grille in 1965. These models, powered by a 3-cylinder Hela engine, were closely related to the D 138 and D 45. The most significant difference was the new Hela 9+4 gearbox, offering speeds from 0.7 to 27.4 km/h. Aside from engine power, the only other difference between the models was the tire size. The lift capacity of the lifting device with Bosch hydraulics was rated at 1600 kg.

In 1966, the D 254 was introduced, equipped with a 54-horsepower 4-cylinder MWM engine. Its gearbox was a ZF 8+4. The D 254 was the first Hela tractor available with four-wheel drive. The four-wheel-drive model featured hydrostatic steering.

Between 1969-71, a few D 254 tractors were also produced with a 3.4-liter 60 hp engine.

In 1970, the actual 60 hp production model D 260 was introduced. It had the same MWM engine but a ZF 16+8 gearbox. The rear-wheel-drive model remained more popular than the four-wheel-drive. In 1974, the D 260's engine increased to 4.2 liters and 70 horsepower.

Hela D 540 – D 548, D 254 - D 260

The 1960 D 38 was the successor to the D 36. Like many other Hela models, the wheelbase was extended. The engine was a 3-cylinder 3.2-liter Hela pre-chamber diesel. The transmission was more robust than before. The standard number of gears remained 6+1. A dual clutch was available as an option. The lifting device featured a draft control system.

In the D 45, power was increased by raising the engine speed. There were two reverse gears, and the power take-off offered two speeds as well as a ground-driven PTO. These features were also present in the D 138, which replaced the D 38 in 1963.

These models remained in production until 1967, so the appearance was updated for 1966.

Hela D 38 - D 45, D 138

The models introduced in 1960 featured a new hood design and Helan’s 2-cylinder 2.2-liter prechamber diesel engine. Compared to the D 30 model, new features included ZF’s 8+4 gearbox, live power take-off, and weight transfer system. The ZF gearbox, used in many German tractors, had 2 ranges and reverse, making direction changes easy. These models were overshadowed by the lighter D225/230 models with the same power and were quickly discontinued.

Hela D 124 - D 130

Introduced in 1961, the D 225 was the successor to the successful D 24. The wheelbase had been extended by 20 centimeters. There were now two reverse gears, and the lifting device based on Bosch hydraulics featured a weight transfer system. The PTO speeds were 560 and 980.

Alongside it, a more powerful version, the D 230, was introduced. The engine was the same 2.2-liter Hela and the transmission 6+2. In addition to the higher power, the differences from the smaller model included a dual clutch and larger front tires. As an alternative to the traditional 20 km/h top speed, there were gear ratios enabling a faster 25 km/h.

In 1964, the lightweight 3-cylinder D 434 and D 438 were introduced, with the latter intended only for export markets. Export markets referred to West European neighboring countries of Germany. The engine was a 2.2-liter MWM and the transmission a Hela 6+2. A dual clutch was standard, and the PTO featured two speeds and a live PTO. The parallel model to the D 434 was the D 534 with a Hela 2-range 10+2 transmission. The D 538, in turn, was the more powerful export version of the same tractor. The power of both increased to 40 horsepower in 1970.

Hela D 225 – D 230, D 434 – D 438, D 534 – D 538 

More from this manufacturer

German Hermann Lanz founded his company in 1888. He was not related to Heinrich Lanz of the Lanz company. Hela manufactured various agricultural machines, but the first tractor Samson was not until the next generation came out in 1929. Before the war, Hela was mostly equipped with 1- and 2-cylinder Deutz engines and ZF gearboxes. In the model introduced in 1947, the company switched to MWM engines and its own gearboxes. From 1955 onwards, Hela also manufactured its own engines for a good ten years. This experiment cost a lot of money.
The Hela model range included a wide range of smaller tractors. In addition, from 1955 onwards, the four-wheel drive Varimot, which had four large wheels and steering was done with steering brakes, was purchased from the Vari Werk company. Hela's popularity never reached its peak, but locally in southern Germany, Hela was significant. In 1978, Hela merged with the construction machinery manufacturer IBH and tractor production ended the following year. A total of over 30,000 Hela tractors were manufactured. Of these, approximately 4,600 tractors ended up for export. The Hela tractors were most commonly green in color, although red tractors were also made, especially for export. An attempt was made to start importing to Finland in the early 1950s.

German Hermann Lanz founded his company in 1888. He was not related to Heinrich Lanz of the Lanz company. Hela manufactured various agricultural machines, but the first tractor Samson was not until the next generation came out in 1929. Before the war, Hela was mostly equipped with 1- and 2-cylinder Deutz engines and ZF gearboxes. In the model introduced in 1947, the company switched to MWM engines and its own gearboxes. From 1955 onwards, Hela also manufactured its own engines for a good ten years. This experiment cost a lot of money.

The Hela model range included a wide range of smaller tractors. In addition, from 1955 onwards, the four-wheel drive Varimot, which had four large wheels and steering was done with steering brakes, was purchased from the Vari Werk company. Hela's popularity never reached its peak, but locally in southern Germany, Hela was significant. In 1978, Hela merged with the construction machinery manufacturer IBH and tractor production ended the following year. A total of over 30,000 Hela tractors were manufactured. Of these, approximately 4,600 tractors ended up for export. The Hela tractors were most commonly green in color, although red tractors were also made, especially for export. An attempt was made to start importing to Finland in the early 1950s.

Founded in 1888, the agricultural machinery manufacturer Hermann Lanz had been producing tractors since 1929, initially under the brand Samson. Before the war, the brand changed to Hermann Lanz Aulendorf.

After the war, the French took the factory machines as war reparations. Production resumed in 1947, when the D 47, named after the year, was introduced. Technically, it was a very typical German tractor, but compared to some competitors, it was low-built and fairly lightweight. The engine was a 2.4-liter MWM producing 22 hp. The transmission was self-made and had 5+1 gears. A differential lock was standard. The design showed cost-saving on the hood. The color was gray or machine green, depending on availability.

A slightly more powerful model, the D 28, was introduced with a 2.85-liter engine.

By 1950, there was some design refinement, such as a grille in front of the radiator, and the color became standardized to their own green. Alongside the MWM engine in the D47, a Deutz engine was offered.

The larger Lanz company based in Mannheim demanded giving up the use of the Lanz name for tractors, and in 1951 the tractor brand changed from Hermann Lanz Aulendorf to the previously used abbreviation Hela.

Hela D 47, D 28

Since 1950, Hela began to significantly expand its range. The D 14 was built around a 14-horsepower 1-cylinder MWM engine. The prototype model received a new design, featuring a red rounded grille bordered by a yellow stripe. The transmission was a Hurth 5+1. The parallel model D 15 differed in its portal axle and Hela's own 6+1 transmission. The lifting device was optional. Standard features included a suspended front axle, differential lock, foot throttle, steering brakes, and a 6-volt electrical system with lights and electric start.

The D 16 was a small 2-cylinder model. The 1.25-liter MWM engine produced 16, 17, or 18 hp depending on the year. The transmission was either 5+1 or 6+1.

In 1952, the smallest model, the D 12 S, was introduced. Its MWM engine was either a 0.85-liter water-cooled or 0.8-liter air-cooled version. The transmission was Hela’s 5+1 portal gearbox. A small batch of a lower D 12 version without a portal axle was also produced.

Compared to many other German manufacturers, Hela produced many parts for its tractors in-house.

The height of Hela models is measured to the engine hood, whereas most other manufacturers specify the height to the steering wheel.

Hela D 12 S – D 16, D 215

The Helan model range was quite consistent compared to many other manufacturers. The manufacturer's main markets were in southern Germany. Only just over 10% of production was exported, mainly to neighboring countries.

Introduced in 1951, the D 18 was equipped with a 1.5-liter single-cylinder engine and a Hurth 5+1 gearbox.

In 1953, the D 20 was launched, which was largely the same single-cylinder tractor as the D 18 but equipped with portal axles. Its sister model was the D 120, which had Helan's 6+1 gearbox without portal axles.

The D 24 was introduced in 1953. It was one of Helan's most successful models. Available were a water-cooled version with a 1.7-liter engine and an air-cooled 1.8-liter MWM engine. The gearbox was Helan's own 6+1. In 1958, narrow special cultivation versions S 24 and S 18 were introduced.

Hela D 18 - D 24, D 120

The 1952 D 28 was a redesigned version of the earlier D 47 and D 28 models. The engine was now a 2.4-liter MWM, and the gearbox was still a 5+1 from in-house production. A small number were also produced with an air-cooled Deutz F2 L 514 engine. A larger share of D 28 production was sold for export compared to the rest of the lineup. Tractors exported to Turkey were yellow, and orange was also used in export markets.

The D 32, introduced at the same time, was a more powerful version. It had a 2.85-liter, 32-horsepower engine. It is known that three units of this model were imported to Finland. These demonstration tractors and the D 28 tested by Vakola remained the only Hela tractors in Finland.

The most powerful model, the D 40, was the first 3-cylinder Hela. The MWM engine was 3.5 liters. The gearbox was a ZF 6+1.

Hela D 28 - D 40

The Hela D 112 was a redesigned model of the earlier D 12. The portal axle was abandoned, and the first gear speed was even lower. The D 112 was available with both water and air cooling. The latter was more popular. With a total of 3,394 units produced, the D 112 is the most manufactured model in Hela's history.

The 2-cylinder D 117 was a lighter alternative to the D 18 in the same 18 hp power class. It was available with both water and air cooling.

Hela D 112 - D 117

For the year 1955, Hela introduced its first own engine. Previously, the D 12 S equipped with a 0.9-liter MWM engine was now also available with a 1.1-liter Hela AE engine. The same engine, in a more powerful version, was also available for the D 15 model and its longer wheelbase version, the D 115. A later variant of the 15-horsepower tractor was the 1957 D 315, which was the first Hela tractor designed with side access to the cab. The lifting device was also more advanced than before, and a power take-off was available as an option. The same updates were applied to the 12 hp version in the D 312 model in 1958.

In autumn 1956, a 2-cylinder Hela AZ engine was introduced for the D 24 model. The same 2.2-liter engine was also used in the D 30 model. The transmission in almost all models equipped with Hela engines was Hela’s own 6+1, which compared to previously used transmissions offered a slower gear at just under 2 km/h.

The Hela engine family was modular, fairly short-stroked, and proved to be effective.

Hela D 12 S – D 30, D 312-315 

In 1956, a more modern and lighter large model, the D 36, was introduced. It featured a 3-cylinder MWM engine, available with either water or air cooling. Both versions sold in roughly equal numbers. The transmission was 6+1, and as the first Hela model, an optional road speed of over 20 km/h was available.

New accessories also included a power take-off independent of the driving clutch and Helamatic, which allowed the tractor to be moved and steered using a lever next to the rear fender. Export models were mostly red.

Hela D 36

Since 1959, Hela tractors received a new hood design. The grille was now tilted forward diagonally and was the same color as the tractor. A larger portion of the tractors were painted red, previously used mainly for export markets, instead of green. Some earlier models also got the new hood, such as the D 115 and D 315.

In the 15-horsepower class, the new model was the D 415, which was lighter and had a shorter wheelbase than the two previously mentioned models. The engine was a 1.1-liter single-cylinder Hela. It was available with both water and air cooling. Hela did not produce any other air-cooled models. The 6-speed transmission was also in-house production, and a new feature was two reverse gears. The power take-off was standard equipment, while the lifting device was an optional extra as with other Hela models.

The successor to the D 117 was the D 218, which was still available with both air- and water-cooled MWM engines. New features included a 6+2 transmission, a power take-off with two speeds and drive power, and a weight transfer system.

In 1964, the D 218 was replaced by the D 420, which remained in production until 1973. The MWM engine was higher-revving than before. The appearance was updated in 1966 with a split front grille.

From 1967 onward, Hela began shifting from its own engines back to MWM. The smallest model in the range, the D 416, had an air-cooled 2-cylinder 1.0-liter 16-horsepower engine. The transmission was Hela’s 6+2. Red had now become a more popular color than green. The front axle with suspension remained standard, unlike many competitors.

Hela D 415 – D 420, D 218 

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German Hermann Lanz founded his company in 1888. He was not related to Heinrich Lanz of the Lanz company. Hela manufactured various agricultural...