2715 E. Birch Run Road Burt, Michigan 48417
I acquired this Hatz tractor from my cousin, Dick Woodward, who
purchased it from someone who knew only that it came from northern
Michigan. I have talked with many collectors recently, and no one
has ever heard of a complete Hatz tractor.
It is a mystery as to how this tractor came into this country,
as you can determine from information in letters from Hatz
representatives inquiring about the tractor.
A letter to cousin Dick from Motorenfabrik Hatz, GmbH & Co.,
KG, 8399 Ruhstorf/Rott (the German manufacturers of the tractor),
reads as follows:
‘Thank you very much for your letter of June 8, 1978. We
were pleased to note that you are the owner of a Hatz Z 90 tractor,
built in 1960. Could you, perhaps, let us know at your convenience
through which channels this tractor came to Birch Run?
‘As requested, we are attaching hereto an instruction
booklet as well as spare parts list for the engine type Z 90; for
any further questions re spare parts or repair advice, please
contact Hatz Diesel of America, Inc., 2867 So. 160th Street, New
Berlin, Wisconsin 53151, who will be gladly at your disposal.
Signed C. Steppacher, Export Manager.’
Upon writing to Hatz Diesel of America, my cousin received the
following reply, dated October 31, 1978:
‘Manuals are no longer available. Certain parts we may be
able to match up. As you may know, this tractor was not originally
meant to be sold in the U.S.A., so you can imagine our surprise to
find one in this country. Sincerely, Keith Kichefski, Service
Department.’
I believe this may be the only Hatz tractor in existence in the
U.S. and thought it would be of interest to you. The tractor has a
two-cylinder, aircooled diesel Hatz engine and runs very well. Some
other important details you may notice in the photographs are: some
type of spring loaded shocks on the front axle, 3-point hitch,
V-belt pulley, front PTO, live PTO 540 rpm in rear, differential
lock.
I do hope you will enjoy looking over these photographs. I took
the tractor to the annual Mid-Michigan Gas Tractor Show in Oakley,
Michigan and found many people interested in it. Not one person has
ever heard of it. I’m hoping perhaps you’ll lead me to more
information about it.