Case Enginge Choices

A 580 (might be a 530) Case with a model 33 loader has come up for sale for $2000.00. It is in pristine condition for its age, and has a three point as well. I am wondering if there are any disadvantages to the diesel engine over the gasoline engine that was offered in the early CK"s. I am familiar with the Case gasloline engines, and consider them to be extremely reliable, but know nothing about the diesels. This diesel starts right up in the cold, without using the manifold heater. No unusual noises. Good response. Black smoke at startup, but no smoke within a few seconds. The transmission has the three position shuttle shift, and seems to work well.

Questions:

1.) Are there any inherent shortcomings of the diesel over the gasoline version? Which would you prefer, and why?

2.) Is there an advantage to the three way shuttle over the two position shuttle?

Thank you for your thoughts!
Greg

Our Power Shuttle is has two-position lever but I understand the later models had a middle position which basically is neutral. Disengaging both forward & rearward clutches. Our two-position unit is in one or the other at all times and the tranny must be put in neutral to unload the torque converter. Although ours works OK I always thought the 3-position would be more convenient but perhaps a little unsafe. Also while using the backhoe the shuttle is engaged in F or R and spinning the input shaft to the tranny. Not that this is a problem, but I've always wondered if the by-product of either clutch engagement is an opposite direction rotation of the plates in the disengaged clutch... that must make some heat and wear.

Without a backhoe, but a 3-point hitch, the tractor your looking at is only 1/2 as usable as a loader/backhoe unit. If it has a 3-point, I'd certainly want it to also have a PTO which is unnecessary/unusable with a backhoe.

Greg