VAI Questions

1. Is this a 1955 model?

2. Were the VA's and VAI's not restyled in 1951 with the redesignations of the VAC's?

3. What is the top speed? I've read anywhere from 10 to 19 mph.

4. Is the shift pattern (1 Up L, 2 Down L, 3 Up R, 4 Down R) normal for the VAI? I've heard there were different transmissions and this might be the "high-speed" gearing.

Any information would be great. Thanks guys.

If you want my opinion, I would say a unit like mine which is 97% or so complete with new rear tires and all the extras should be worth anywhere from $1200 - $1600, but that's just what I think. I paid significantly less for mine and I think I got a real deal.

I am not an expert but I've had a '53 Vac 13 for 12 yrs and done some research here and elsewhere. Hopefully someone will correct if I am wrong.

1, Yes 1955, '55 model year starting serial nr is 6038001 for all VA series tractors.

2. No. VAI had some exceptions to other models styling in later years but remained model VAI.

3. I don't know top speed but it is way more than other models. Full governed engine rpm for VAI is 1925, other VA models are 1600. Some VAI had a speed blocking lever (pic) to reduce the rpm for pto work.

Yes they have a higher speed transmission. Some VAI & VAC had higher speed transmissions for mower work (highway type). Gears listed in transmission section of Case part manual R.I E61, dtd 5-59.

I have the mower transmission in my VAC. When I bought it, drove it home 8 mi on paved roads. Very fast. I am not going to tell you what my son following clocked me, did that a few years ago and got flamed. when I got home and changed my shorts, checked the rpm, 2200 rpm no load when I backed off.

4. My VAC left to right is 1 up, 3 dn, 2 up, 4 dn, with rev all the way left & dn. I drove a '46 VAI in the '50's 1-1/4 mi, red dog road, twice daily, 6 days a week with milk cans for several years. I seem to remember it was a different pattern but don't remember what it was.

Joe

Thanks, Bob. That helps alot.

I'm finding that the years of using/working on SC's and DC's has been great, but the VA series was a different animal. Still true CASE, but with its own unique attributes (which I'm sure I would find if I had other models too).

Did the older VA series models have the old style serial number tag? Did they change that in '51 with all the number designation changes?

As for the top speed, I guess I'll just have to clean this unit up, find just a few parts, re-wire it and then test it out myself. Oh, I'm going to check on the speed-blocking lever when I go out to the shop too.

The engine serial nr should be stamped on the block above the starter. It was horizontal and changed to vertical sometime between '50 & 52. Maybe with the style change in '51?

Joe