Case-IH CIH245 4.30 star(s) (3)

Basic Reliable Tractor
Model Year: 1991

No frills here, this tractor just works when you need it to. Use it mostly for rotary cutting small areas that can't be farmed. Mow a water dam area for our township annually as a goodwill effort.

Pros: Easy on fuel.
Cons: Not real comfortable, newer units are roomier.

Case IH 245 4WD
Model Year: 1986

I bought this machine 10 years ago from its original owner (like new with less than 400 hours) for the sole purpose of raking, scooping, and hauling the manure generated by our 5 hay burners. It quickly became my favorite mule and use it about an hour every day. I've totally worn out three front end loader buckets over the years. Same tires, same clutch, same belts, water pump, alternator and starter that it came with from the factory. Diff lock recently refused to work, but I've only used it a handful of times over the years. It sits out in the weather 24/7/365, paint is now badly faded, bits are getting rusty, tires checked, and I've added hundreds of spot welds over stress fractures from front to rear. Never needed any outside repairs. And in spite of all the "boo reviews" I found on line 10 years ago, the hydraulics still have more than enough grunt to hoist a round bale from a spear attached to the bucket. Knock on wood...

Pros: Strong resale value. Stood up amazingly well to heavy abuse, pulls like a locomotive, very comfy.
Cons: High-reverse is scary fast at idle, few OE parts easily available, poor steering rod design, poor but adequate lift arm control.

Case 245 4wd
Model Year: 1987

With the exception of the differential lock failing at 1000 hours, and a worn out tie rod end (expected...) everything on this tractor operates like it was brand new. I've over-loaded it, overworked it, abused and neglected it (with the notable exception of 100 hour oil changes with high-end oil..) Hydraulics are in dire need of flush and replacement, but it lifts more than I ever thought it could. I had to replace the orig Bush Hog bucket with a much larger modified Kubota

Pros: ALWAYS starts. Has a good strong canopy, ton of pulling power for a small tractor.
Cons: Way too much work to split the case for a new clutch.