Case 446

[BAnNC]

Need help. Any of you with history or knowledge of Case 446. One for sale with front blade, mowing deck and hydro "catcher system". Says he bought it new in the 80"s.
Know nothing of the issues with these machines. Anything I should be looking for that might be a problem? Any ideas on pricing? Any help is appreciated.
Bruce
 

[Tom Arnold]

It is hard to assess the value when no photos are produced.

Condition matters and engine condition matters the most. A basic tractor with a worn out Onan is not worth much more than $300.00 tops as a parts tractor because it can cost as much as 2 grand to pay a shop to remove, rebuild and reinstall the engine.

Other options have value.


The Hydra-Bagger is worth about $400.00 if it is in good repair

The hydraulic PTO kit is worth about $200.00 on its own

A decent front blade is easily worth $200.00 or more

A good running 446 with deck ....$800.00 or so.


Focus on the engine. Does it smoke? Look at the tractor. Has it been stored outside in the weather - faded, rusty, ratty seat, missing steering wheel cap, cracked steering wheel, bent tie rod, bent drag link, deck shell all bent, torn and rewelded, Hacked up wiring harness, missing parts, headlamps not working, hard steering.

If it looks like a piece of crap, then either walk away or buy it super cheap. Some people just run machinery to death and then try to unload them onto unsuspecting buyers.

Get some photos and the serial number.
 

[Tom Arnold]

Make him PROVE that the HydraBagger works and that it is complete. The deck baffle, the deck boot, the deck to vac hose and clamps should all be there. The bags should not have holes in them. The hood should hot be cracked. The mounting bracket for the vac should also be there.

Do not take his word for anything. Whatever he says, make him prove it with invoices or demonstrations. If he does not own an Op manual, that's a bad sign. How do you look after stuff without one?