Case 222 Good Purchase?

[sconn49]

I located a Case 222 yesterday. Don't know much about them. Are they a good tractor?
The engine has been rebuilt. Does not smoke and fired right up. Does not sputter, runs smooth in low and high idle.
The body is excellent. No noticeable damage anywhere.
All hydr are in excellent working condition.
Brand new rubber all the way around.
When it was restored it was painted all of its labels were attached.
Purchase price is $500.

What should I be looking for, before purchasing this tractor?

 

[bradley martin]

They were a good lawn tractor and the price is right by the sounds of it. The PTO clutch was nechanical and can be frustrating to adjust and the mower decks were not as durable as the power unit.

 

[Bob]

MY opinion, certainly not everyone will agree...

It is a very collectable tractor, but for everyday use, a Cub Cadet or a Deere of the same era would be a LOT better.

The CASES had a HYDRAULIC drive... a gear pump, and a separate flow control valve for variable speed, rather than a TRUE hydrostatic drive, with a variable piston pump, like the competing brands had.

If you do NOT think this is a big deal, wait 'til you ride it down a hill, with no control, as the hydraulic motor "overuns".

(A firend of mine went off of a low cliff, into a lake, one one of those tractors.)

I guess the later ones were better, there was kit for some models, to update them so they wouldn't "free-wheel", but I'd take a true hydro, any day, over that "Mickey-Mouse" setup.

I gave the same advice, on another message board, a couple of years ago, to someone considering another Case model, and was "shot down", big time.

The funny thing was, the fellow posted back only about a year later he was selling it, and getting a different tractor, just for the reason I mentioned.

If you DO decide to buy it, be SURE you understand how the hydraulic drive runs and operates, before making the decision that it's what you want.

 

[Lanse]

sounds good to me

 

[fixerupper]

Thirty years ago I bought a used 224,which is the next step up power-wise from the 222 and it's still in service today. The hydro has always been a little jerky but it is almost bullet proof, and has gone through hell and back without faltering. Yes, it can over-run on a downhill, but pulling it into reverse stops it. The origional PTO clutch was weak, so I installed the updated, adjustable version, and so far it hasn't faltered. I don't think you can get parts for the old version of the PTO clutch. The deck drive belt is wimpy on mine, but might not give much trouble for you where you have a couple of horses less than the 224. You should get the deck belt from your dealer because it has an uncommon "V" angle, though I have gotten by with a heavy duty from a farm store belt for awhile. Just make sure it's a heavy duty belt. A regular one won't make it around the lawn once. Jim

 

[Lanse]

dang, you have a good menory!!!

 

[WGM]

I have an Ingersoll 222. Same as a Case, just a newer model. They are built like a tank and are relatively cheap. I also have an older Case 220. I would highly recommend Case/Ingersoll.

 

[bob farrell]

Just bought (sight unseen) a Case 223 (?) I think he said. Where do you go to get info, books, and parts? Thanks for any help. Bob

 

[sconn49]

Thanks to all. How do I find out what year this tractor is so I can purchase a operator"s manual?