Case Tractors good for a new guy?

GrandMesa · Dec 27, 2010

Hello everyone.. new to this type of thing completely so bare with me please.

I just got a house with 2 acres..it was growing weeds for the past summer so it needs some work and i'm looking for a smaller tractor that wont cost me too much.

found a '51 VAC case tractor with live hydraulics and he says it is in good condition (tires in fair) for $1500.

Are case tractors easy to work on? i'm mechanically inclined and a smart fella just havnt worked on many engines in the past. is it easy to find parts for these tractors? are the parts expensive?

the tractor doesnt come with anything but a 3 pt hitch.

thanks in advance for any advice.

Brian Bell · Dec 27, 2010

Some basic tools and a good shop manual and you're good to go. I have a VAC for sale in SC right now with a 5' cutter for 1900, and will come down off of that! Not bad machines, ask the folks on here what to look for as in common wear items. Keep in mind that tires if you have to replace them will run 30% or more of the asking price and implements can get expensive in a hurry too.

BarryfromIA · Dec 27, 2010

Many of the parts are available through a auto parts store if they sell some agriculture related parts. The basic engine was in production almost 30 years and you can always come to this site for help. Case always built the finest products.

C. Amick · Dec 27, 2010

It is one of the better tractors you are going to find for the money. In fact, that price may be a little high. Does it have a wide or narrow front wheel set up? New engine parts are pretty easy to find. There are a lot of used parts available. What type of mower did you have in mind buying for it?

GrandMesa · Dec 27, 2010

Thank you for your advice so far.

So what are some common things I should look for when buying a used Case tractor?

I'm all the way in colorado so i dont think one in SC would do hehe thanks though

How much are implements usually? ill need a brush hog, blade, plow.. just looking to do some simple crops for the first few years such as alfalfa.

Thanks again!

BarryfromIA · Dec 27, 2010

You will need an over running adapter on the pto shaft if you get a bush hog type mower. The momentum of the blades can drive you through the fence when you try to stop with out it.

olgentdc · Dec 27, 2010

Simple and dependable anddamTUF,and will do anything safely you ask of it ..,. that is a decent price if ALL there and runnin Good ,working lites value $100 or more ,Nice tires and 4 good rims raise the price even more , true ..I know of Vacs not running that could be brought home for 500 . and you will spend a thousand getting them up to snuff . decent ,grader blades and bushhog wil cost about 200 and 500 . good correct VAC 2 bottom plow 2-400 .. bottom line a running equipped tractor will bring 3 or more times what a tractocr that is sitting for 10 yrs, so don't shy away froma gift horse ...

Doc Larry · Dec 28, 2010

My opinion tires are 1/2 to 2/3 the value of the tractor. $1500 sounds a little high for a VAC with "fair" tires although if you have the three point that's a plus and prices vary place to place. Grand Mesa, as in western Co?

Nick@KY · Dec 29, 2010

If you want a dependable,light easy to haul smaller tractor a VAC will fit the bill.1500 seems a little high unless it it really nice or has new rubber.For 1500 you should be able to find an DC with eagle hitch,live pto and hydraulics in good condition.The DC is 2 sizes bigger than the VAC.If you are only working 2 acres a VAC will do fine.
I collect VAC's and have a 5' bushog on one for trimming around the barns.I also work my garden with them.When I farmed I didn't use anything smaller than a DC except to cultivate with.
Good luck and keep us posted. Nick

GrandMesa · Dec 29, 2010

thanks for all the advice guys.. gonna keep looking and pass this one up as the tires are in bad condition.

yea doc larry the grand mesa as in western colorado

definitely will keep you guys posted as i'm in no hurry right now.... except a bit of snow is coming and it would be handy for the driveway

Doc Larry · Dec 29, 2010

Bought my first case (400 deisel) on Purdy Mesa, outside of Whitewater, just on the west flank of Grand Mesa. We"re in Montana now....

Case Tractors good for a new guy?

GrandMesa

New User

Brian Bell

Member

BarryfromIA

Well-known Member

C. Amick

Well-known Member

GrandMesa

New User

BarryfromIA

Well-known Member

olgentdc

Well-known Member

Doc Larry

Member

Nick@KY

Member

GrandMesa

New User

Doc Larry

Member

Similar threads