It would help to know how you plan to use it. Both have proven engines, so either would be fine there. If for mostly loader work, as in loading trucks, the Case with a torque converter, and reverser are pretty handy. If it has a manual reverser, w/clutch, the reverser has a weak link. A pretty small roll pin, pinning the shifting fork to the lever inside the top cover. They won't take much abuse, and will wear, or shear. No ram and jam. You must be completely stopped before changing directions. Still beats going from a forward gear, to a 1 speed reverse on the Ford, if it doesn't have the reverser, which some models do. If both have a manual transmission with a clutch, you just have to watch, and not slip the clutch, or you'll end up with a grabby clutch. If the Ford has the dual clutch, it will have a button clutch for the main, and disc clutch for the PTO, if it has one.
The Ford will also have more gear speeds to work with, more than likely a 6, or 8 speed. Where the Case will only have 4. Again, helps to know how it will be used. If you're planning on using a 3 pt. tiller on it, the Ford would be a better choice, for low ground speed. If just pulling a box blade, or 3 pt. blade, either will work fine.
Ford probably has the better brake system. Case works fine too, but if it has not been maintained, I'd almost bet you'll need to redo the brakes. The brake discs get oil soaked, because the bull pinion shaft bearing cage seal leak, after so many hours. Just the nature of the beast, they all do it. The Ford brakes would be easier to service, as they are automotive type drum brakes. Pull the rear tire & wheel, remove the brake drum, and everything is exposed.
Do you plan to use a rotary cutter, or, other PTO implements..?? Does the Case even have a PTO..?? Do either..?? I believe the PTO was an option on the Case. On the Ford, I'd have to guess it was a standard option.
Does the Ford have power steering..?? A very important option if you have a loader. If both do, they both work very well. Speaking as a Case 480C owner, and, an old 310B owner, the steering cylinder does have it's seal problems. Overall, the Ford probably has the better system, as far as repair if needed.
There's probably other points that could be mentioned, just trying to cover some basics. But, just speaking from mostly Case experience, and limited Ford experience. How close to a dealer you are should weigh in there too. Most of the new OEM Case parts will have to be purchased through a Case Construction dealer. Where the Ford new OEM parts should be able to be bought at any NH dealer. There are a lot of aftermarket parts out there for the Case, not sure about the Ford. Both are pretty proud of their OEM parts, as far as price.
