Case1070 VS Ford 8600

Is there a lot difference in the two tractors to compare. Both have cabs. The ford has 6400+ hrs the case has 2300+, Ford has dual power, case has power shift (don't know what that does for me) can just looking for a user friendly haying all around tractor. Don't know much about the 1070s.
So any input from those that know would be appreciated.


Thanks
Matt

If the transmission is in good shape when you get it and properly maintained the case will be much better. The cab is better, shifting is better and you will have a little more hp. Fo r round baling where frequent reverse is needed the case works very similar to a shuttle shift, just push in the clutch and pull the lever back so no grinding or meshing. The trany can be expensive to repair, but no worse than any other really. If you use real case hytran in it it will last many thousands of hours. They are 40+ years old tho, so check it carefully. Check the engine oil for antifreeze as the sleeve o-rings can leak. If it starts right up and runs smooth with little smoke and not too much blow by the engine should nbe good.

Case 1070 - 451 c.i., 107 pto h.p. Ford 8600 - 401 c.i., 110 pto h.p. Not enough difference to notice. The Case might (should) have more torque. Fuel use is similar, with a slight edge to the Ford, according to the Nebraska Tractor Tests.
I used a 1070 for a couple weeks a few years back, when my main tractor at the time was down. Was thinking of buying it, as the price was right, but decided not to. Seemed rather heavy and clumsy, and didn't have the power I expected from that much displacement. The powershift was nice, but I hated the grinding when shifting between ranges. Cab was nothing to get excited about... kept you dry and warm, but no a/c, and was not quiet. Only one door. Maybe just personal prejudices. Bought a 9600 (basically an 8600 with a turbo) a couple years later. Cab was no better that the Case, except that it has two doors. I like Dual Power transmissions...but I'm also very used to them, as I've been driving at least one tractor with them for more than 35 years. It's still a big, long, heavy tractor, but seemed to be easier to handle and maneuver than the 1070. You also don't need special hydraulic tips for the Ford. A 1070 would, unless it's been updated.
Either way, you're talking about tractors with a lot of years on them. Look them over carefully before buying. And I'd be somewhat suspicious of the hours. Plenty of tachs and tach cables failed. Those were big, expensive tractors in their day - the had to earn their keep, so 50-60 hours per year is not very realistic.

If those are verifiable hours on the Case I would go with that. Otherwise the Ford.

I had a ford 8600, with a turbo added. Pulled good and had more power than dad's 970 but burned quite a bit more fuel. The cab was nowhere near as nice and the controls were not as easy to use. My brother had a later model 7700 which had a much nicer cab, similar to the case for quiet and dust proof. There is no way the 8600 cab was that tight or quiet.

Yeah, cabs on Fords before '77 were add-ons, even when ordered new with a cab. There were several brands of cab for the 8000-9600's, besides the "factory" ones. Some were probably better than others. My 9600 was just plain loud inside.
Maybe the 1070 I drove just had a cab that was in poor shape...but it didn't impress me for being tight or quiet.

The Case tractor would have a better cab than the Ford. I always hated the way the shifters where located in that vintage of Ford tractors.

If you go with the Ford pull the tranny plug first and check for water. 8600's get water in the transmissions somehow somewhere I'll never figure out. We have 2 and both do it. Hard on wet clutches and other things in there. I'd go with the Case regardless.

FIL had a 9000, brakes went out and destroyed the whole hydraulic system. He had it torn down by 3 different shops. Spent a lot of money and never could get it clean enough to make it work. If it has the same wet brake/hyd system combination I would go with the Case.

Thanks For the info guys I do appreciate it.