444 Case - 3pt Hitch

I'm working on a 444 Case, it doesn't have any 3 pt. hitch on it, and was wondering want hardware is needed, and what average price for a used one is. Am considering putting one on.

Thanks, Mike

You can expect to pay $450 to $600 for a used three point, depending up which model of hitch is for sale and the condition of it. The hitch originally came as a KIT unless the tractor was ordered with it from the factory.

The kit included the complete hitch consisting of the mounting plate, lift arms, hydraulic cylinder, hoses, top link, sway chains, top link pin and two Tee fittings needed to connect the lines to the Lift Valve work ports.

The first hitch is known as an F-26 and came with a single-acting cylinder. The H and J 26 hitches all have double-acting cylinders that provide down pressure when needed. In 1989, Ingersoll introduced the HH-34 hitch. I do not recommend this hitch for the earlier 400 Series tractors because you need a special rear PTO kit, which is harder to find than the PTO kits used with the H and J-26 hitches. The problem with using the earlier PTO kits with the HH-34 hitch is that the hitch arm hits the PTO when it is fully raised.

The earlier kits all came with steel hydraulic lines that were pre-bent to fit the tractor. However, Case made the wheelbase 2 inches longer in 1980 and that means that lines from the earlier kits are two inches two short for the post-79 tractors. Know what it is you are buying before you lay out the cash.

Tom Arnold is correct, they are pricy.
Aboot every year at the Portland, Indiana swap meat there is at least one fur sale.

Thanks guys, I'll look at my serial number to see which one was best made for the tractor, then keep my eyes open for one. Know of couple guys who might have a used one for sale.

Mike