446 Down Hill Racer

[skinny78]

Case 446 Down Hill Racer

Hello,

I am working on a 446 that gains speed going down hill. It pulls the hills fine but will not hold itself back on the down hill. It makes some considerable noise when trying to stop with the speed selector or when going from forward to reverse without completely stopping. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Matthew

 

[jnelson]

This 'freewheeling' condition is common to earlier Case/Ingersolls. There is an optional holding valve available to prevent this. On later ones (not sure when the change occurred) this feature became standard built into the travel control valve.

JN

 

[casetractor96]

I have A case 446 and I am Converting it to a 18 hp kohler engine because my coil wasn't working right on my onan. (There are no dings or dents but alot of surface rust.) It came with a plow,cuthair, rake, grader blade, and chains. There was one thing that I saw that I never saw before. It was suitcase weights for the front. Can anyone give me any ifo about them?? It also has a 3-point hitch on it,is it worth anything??

 

[jnelson]

The suitcase weights can be very helpful in offsetting heavy 3 pt attachments such as a tiller. While suitcase weights are often very similar in design they are different from brand to brand so you will want to check to be sure what you are buying fits your tractor. Also, many people build their own front weight systems using things like heavy barbell weights. If you choose to build your own just be sure that it is solidly attached to the frame.

The 3 pt hitch can be very useful if you have ground engaging attachments that require it. Your need of attachments utilizing the 3 pt system will determine its value to you. If you are considering selling it you should be able to get several hundred dollars for it if it is complete and in good condition.

JN

 

[casetractor96]

Thanks for the information. I was also wondering how much a mower deck for it would cost and do you know of any place I could get one?? Also Do you have a case and if so what model.

 

[jnelson]

The mower decks show up regularly on E-Bay and you may find one on Craigslist too. Be aware that there are different models and are not all interchangeable. If you do consider purchasing a used deck be sure it is in good condition (not bent up and rusted out) and be prepared to install new spindle bearings. Be very careful to note the proper order of parts assembly when you disassemble the spindles. You will also need the 'mule' - an assembly of hanger brackets and idler pulleys if they are not included with the deck.

A good source of parts and manuals is Brian Hildret who owns Salem Power. He is an authorized Ingersoll dealer and very knowledgeable. Most important he is very fair and willing to help you over the phone. His e-mail address is bhildret@aol.com.

Last (actually the first thing you need to consider) is the fact that you are repowering your tractor. What will you do for a PTO and clutch off the front of the engine to drive the deck belt? I believe it is possible to convert the PTO clutch to your new engine - especially if you use the electric clutch design. That said, you will want to work that out before purchasing a deck.

I have an Ingersoll (same as Case) 448 that I purchased two years ago. The tractor was basically in good shape though certain things (the front PTO clutch and the rear 3 pt) were apart and in a box. It took some time and studying the manuals I downloaded to get the clutch back together properly. I suspect the previous owner got into trouble when he took it apart and could not get it back together again. I rebuilt the spindles and replaced the idler pulleys on the mower deck. I have since purchased and installed a rear hydraulic PTO, a hydraulic rototiller on which I rebuilt the hydraulic motor, and made numerous repairs and refinements.

Due to the age of the tractor there are a number of maintenance and repair projects left to perform on it. Still, for the money I paid for it and what I have in parts and my time I have a tractor far superior to anything being sold new in the garden tractor class these days.

JN

 

[casetractor96]

thanks for the info of the mower deck and that seems like a pretty cool little tractor you got there. Another thing I was wondering about is how much a rotortiller attachment would cost.

 

[jnelson]

Rototillers for Ingersoll / Case garden tractors do a very good job and are frequently offered for sale on E-Bay and Craigslist. They usually sell for between $250.00 and $500.00 depending on condition. There are several things that you need to consider when purchasing one for your tractor.

First, these are hydraulic PTO driven so obviously you need the hydraulic PTO valve and hose assemblies on your tractor. Second, you will require either the 3 pt hitch or sleeve hitch assembly. You will also require the 3 pt to hitch adapter if you go the 3 pt route. You may wish to download the respective manuals for the rototiller and hitches to be sure you have all of the necessary components to complete your installation.

JN

 

[casetractor96]

Thanks for all your help and after all the things that you will need for both the mower deck and the rotatillor I think I will just stick wth the stuff I have allready. Thanks for all your help

 

[jnelson]

You're certainly welcome. I just want to add that my intent was not to discourage you from undertaking projects, but in interest of full disclosure I wanted to be sure you had the facts. I've undertaken more than a couple of projects where I wish I had better understanding of everything involved before diving in. Regardless, enjoy your tractor!

JN