CASE 350 or JD 350 CRAWLER LOADER

Scott Hansen

New User
I m looking at either case or jd 350 crawler loaders. I am working on getting serial numbers to know exact make and models. But in meantime which is better? What are major differences?
I don t need anything bigger I figure. I have will be using to spread loads of dirt in yard when redoing my lawn. I have a little dirt to move ( leveling, smoothing and digging ) by my pond.
For now that s about it. I m never going to do any major excavating at all. I do have a budget of about $6k tops. I wanted something easily towable that doesn t need a huge trailer for my truck.
 
Well with that budget you'd better be cautious because with older crawlers, - they can be a money pits for repairs overall.
Sometimes you can pay 50% more and get 3 times the machine. Buyer beware.
Study and know what you're buying.
Also realize a JD 350 weighs in at about 12,000 - 14,000 pounds so make sure you can tow it safely.
 
You might want to figure out exactly what you plan on doing with one, actual durations, and how consolidated you can plan the activities. Can you do your yard work in a couple weekends? Your pond in another couple? Could a skid steer, small tractor loader, or mini excavator do some, of all, of it? You might be better served looking into what you can rent locally to do the work with. It might not cost as much as you think.

If you don't have an on going need for a crawler loader, rentals may be less expensive in the end then purchase and maintenance of a machine. Old crawlers seem to have a away of developing issues when setting around. And more so if setting out in the weather. With rentals you will have newer and better machines to use, than you will purchase for 6k. It has been said before: There is no such thing as a cheap crawler. Just some things to think about.

And both the Case and John Deere are decent machines if they have been maintained.
 
thanks for the info. I do have a newer 40hp tractor w/ loader and attachments and have run it hard on stuff like this. Skid steer would be fine for landscape but not around my pond. I do like toys and have a couple mechanic friends that do all heavy equipment and would be taking them along when looking. I will look into the rental of a crawler. I don t believe I could condense these projects down to just a couple weekends. With work and everything else I hate rushing and pushing to get it done as it always bites me it Butt.
What per say is the big difference between the 2?
Is the case a much smoother machine?
 

My personal thought is there isn't much difference in the abilities of the two. Dealer support and brand loyalty may have been some considerations in peoples choices over the years.

As far as which is the smoother machine, if properly maintained and adjusted the smoothness of any machine is most often in the operator. JMHO.
 

With smaller tracked equipment, undercarriage condition is at least 75% of the value of the item. If they both run and move then it's down to which one has a better undercarriage.
 
The Case would be lighter than the Deere. A Deere 350 is more close weight wise to a Case 450
 
I know JD had differences in clutches from what I read. Dry then to wet. When I get the serial number on the JD I ll know which model I m dealing with. What about the case? Is that the similar setup?
Also what about shuttle shift and reversers? Big difference in operation?
I ve heard case is easier to work on? Any truth?
 
The 350 Case has a torque convertor and fwd/rev power shuttle,, it also keep Full power to both tracks and uses a differential steering,, I have ran both brand machines,, depending on the series of jd you are taking about the Case is faster and will out perform the same age machines,, also the Case has a much better track tension system and far easier undercarriage design to clean,, we sold Case new,, and took a number of jd's on trade,, while the jd will sure do the same type work they are not equal in performance or operator ease if they are the same time frame machines,, like said below condition is important here as crawlers are not cheap units to repair,, some track components are very hard to find these days
 
The Case 350 steering system is a P.I.T.A. Otherwise,it's a good tractor.
Early JD 1010/2010 had an awful Liner deck in the engine. Not sure if the 350 improved on it.
A Case 450 would be good buy.Only issue you hear is brakes not functioning,due to lack of use.
Old crawlers can be a money pit....buy one that is functioning Ok (give it a 15 minute run) ,& has reasonable track gear.
 

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