Henschel started with the construction of steam rollers, portables and traction engines in 1924 due to a global crisis, Henschel sold hardly any locomotives and the wanted to diversify.
Initially, there are 6 models of steam rollers, varying from 5 to 18 ton, 10 models of portable engines and 2 models of traction engine. The traction engines aren’t a great success, not that many are built.
In 1928 Henschel takes the Erfurter locomotive department over of R. Wolf of Magdeburg, in exchange for the production of portables that goes to Wolf. At the same time, Henschel takes over the roller department of Maffei Munchen, this explains the strong resemblances of the tandem rollers of both firms.
In 1936 the amount of models offered is reduced to 3, an 8,5 ton, a 12 ton and a 15-ton roller.
The last steam rollers are delivered in 1953 to customers.
In 1955 Henschel build 4 boilers for Ottomeyer for their steam ploughs, that are used for moorcultivation in north Germany.
Here is a list of all the models of steam roller that are currently known to me. Some have a datasheet attached.
| Weight: | Rollerdiameter | Model Year | |||
| Type | empty | ballasted | front: | rear: | |
| Emir | 5 ton | 5,8 ton | 950 mm | 1.340 mm | 1927 |
| Eder | 8,5 ton | 9,5 ton | 1.000 mm | 1.500 mm | 1927 |
| Lahn | 10 ton | 11 ton | 1.100 mm | 1.550 mm | 1927 |
| Werra | 12,5 ton | 13,7 ton | 1.200 mm | 1.650 mm | 1927 |
| Fulda | 15 ton | 16,5 ton | 1.270 mm | 1.720 mm | 1927 |
| Weser | 18 ton | 19,8 ton | 1.400 mm | 1.800 mm | 1927 |
Models after 1935
| H 1 | 8,5 – 12 ton | 1936 |
| H 2 | 12,5 – 15 ton | 1936 |
| H 3 | 15 – 18 ton | 1936 |
Models after 1950
| DaW 25 | 1950-1953 |
A list of preserved Henschel steamrollers and portables can be found here.
