Unveiling of successor to MWM motorhorse

MWM sold about 500 units of its “motorhorse”, the world’s first tractor with a diesel engine, in five successive versions from 1924 to 1932.

A new three-cylinder diesel engine (RS 16-D/DS 16-D) with direct injection and an output of 35 to 40 hp had been designed for the successor tractor (SR 30/SR 130). The new tractor was tested extensively for both agricultural and industrial use. Advertisements had already been placed in the press, and brochures and sales documents had been prepared. Surprisingly, however, the company management suddenly halted the project.

The reason for this was a strategic move: The company management had decided not to include any tractors in the MWM production portfolio. As the further business performance of MWM in subsequent years impressively showed, the associated decision to concentrate on producing diesel engines was a wise one.