Case 180

[Roger May]

I have the chance to buy a Case 180, intact, and operable. This comes with a front blade, and I need something to push snow in Michigan. I have some doubt's however, about the "hydrive" and the durability of a 34 year old machine. I would imagine that parts could be difficult to find. I love the looks of the tractor, but I have to be smart with my limited money. I can't afford just to have a tractor that's restored, I need a tractor that will work hard for me. I'm looking for some advice. Tom, are you there?

 

[Tom Arnold]

Hello, is it me you're looking for?
'Cause I wonder where you are
And I wonder what you do
Are you somewhere feeling lonely or is someone loving you?
Tell me how to win your heart
For I haven't got a clue
But let me start by saying ... I love you

As Lionel Ritchie once sang. LOL



So...... let me ask you this. How much for the package. Just curious. Please tell me that and where in MI you are...roughly.


My advice would be to pass on this one. Why? Because all of the old 100 series are all past their "Best Before" dates. If you were into collecting, then I'd tell you to snap it up, restore it and show it. Drive it in parades and fun with it. It is a cool looking tractor but not practical for your needs.

As a "work tractor", the 180 isn't a great candidate, for some of the reasons you mentioned. Case made that model for ONE year. Parts ARE hard to come by and implements are even harder to find. The Hy driv isn't the issue. Pumps and drive motors are still available but everything else will be a struggle for you, compared to a later model.

What you should be looking for is a 1971 or newer, Case 444. Like anything used, condition is everything. The better the condition, the less you will have to spend on it so judge wisely when assessing any candidates.

The 444 has a Kohler K-321 engine in it. These motors are extremely durable and parts are easy to come by as well as being very reasonable in price. Rebuild kits can be bought off e-bay.

Going with 1971 or newer means that all of the 54" plow blades and 48" snocasters made between 1971 and 1988 will work on that tractor. That's one of the beauties of the Case/Ingersoll brand. On top of that, a 444 will have hydraulic implement lift as standard. That feature wasn't even an option on the 180 and if you plow a large area, your arm will thank me every snowfall. And if you want a cab, then those can be had for the 444's too.

MI is Case country. You shouldn't have too much trouble finding a good 444 in that state.

 

[JimM]

I'm not Tom, and I'm no expert. If your thinking you can buy a machine that old and work it hard, and then be upset if it fails, it's probably not for you.

 

[Roger May]

Thanks, Tom and Jim for your responses. You definitely helped me decide! Tom, I'm in West Michigan, NE of Grand Rapids, NW of Lansing. $650 was the price.

 

[Tom Arnold]

Roger,
If you are going to pass on this tractor, please send me an e-mail.

[email protected]