Introduction
Case 400: Standard-Tread Agricultural Tractor
The Case 400 is a standard-tread agricultural tractor produced by J.I. Case in Racine, Wisconsin, between 1955 and 1957. Part of the broader 400 series, this model is recognized for its utility in general farming operations during the mid-1950s.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 251 cubic-inch (4.1 L) liquid-cooled engine. It features a compression ratio of 15:1 and employs an oil bath air cleaner for filtration. The engine is designed to operate at a rated speed of 1500 RPM, with an idle range between 600 and 1600 RPM. Cold starting is assisted by an ether capsule pre-heating system.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The unit is equipped with the Powr-range transmission, providing 8 forward gears and 2 reverse gears. Operation is managed via a single lever for both gear and range selection, incorporating a belt-neutral position for stationary work. Power is delivered to the rear wheels in a two-wheel-drive configuration.
Hydraulics and PTO
The hydraulic system offers a total flow of 12 gallons per minute (45.4 lpm) at a pressure of 600 psi. The system capacity is 2.25 gallons, increasing to 2.6 gallons when equipped with the Case Eagle Hitch. An independent rear Power Take-Off (PTO) running at 540 RPM is standard, facilitating the operation of various mounted implements.
Dimensions and Chassis
The tractor has a wheelbase of 82 inches (208 cm) and an overall length of 133 inches (337 cm). The operating weight is approximately 6,000 lbs (2721 kg). It features mechanical dry disc brakes and manual steering, with power steering available as an optional upgrade.
Conclusion
The Case 400 is a durable, standard-tread machine suited for general field work and stationary implement operation. Its design prioritizes mechanical simplicity and reliability, making it a representative example of mid-1950s agricultural engineering.
Production Information of J.I. Case, 400
- Standard-tread tractor
- While an entire series of tractors was referred to as Case 400, the actual Case model 400 tractor was the standard-tread diesel version. The tractors in the 400 series are identified by a two-digit code (4xx). The second digit indicates the engine type: 0 for diesel (40x) and 1 for gas/lp (41x). The third digit indicates the chassis type: 0 for standard (4x0), 1 for row-crop (4x1), 3 for high-crop (4x3).
- Built in Racine, Wisconsin, USA
| Manufacturer | J.I. Case |
|---|---|
| Original price | $4,400 (1958) |
| Total built | 2,077 |
Dimension and Tires Information of J.I. Case, 400
| Front tread | 52 to 58 inches [132 to 147 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 82 inches [208 cm] |
| Shipping weight | 5,600 lbs [2540 kg] |
| Weight | 6,000 lbs [2721 kg] |
| Length | 133 inches [337 cm] |
| Rear tread | 52 to 64 inches [132 to 162 cm] |
| Clearance (front axle) | 17.4 inches [44 cm] |
| Width | 66.6 inches [169 cm] |
| Ag front | 6.00-16 |
|---|---|
| Ag front(optional) | 50" (steel) |
| Ag rear | 14-30 |
| Ag rear | 13-30 |
| Ag front | 7.50-16 |
Engine Specifications of J.I. Case, 400
- Liquid-cooled
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.012 inches (cold) [0.305 mm] |
|---|---|
| Intake valve clearance | 0.012 inches (cold) [0.305 mm] |
| Pre-heating | Ether capsules |
| Oil change | 120 h |
| Idle RPM | 600-1600 |
| Rated RPM | 1500 |
| Displacement | 251 ci [4.1 L] |
| Oil capacity | 9 qts [8.5 L] |
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
| Compression | 15:1 |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.00x5.00 inches [102 x 127 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 29.6 qts [28.0 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Firing order | 1-3-4-2 |
Transmission Information of J.I. Case, 400
Transmission variants 1
- Four gears plus reverse, with high and low ranges. All gears and ranges selected by a single lever. A "belt-neutral" position lies between the high and low ranges, intended for stationary work. Gears 7, 8, and high reverse are locked out on tractors equipped with steel wheels.
| Transmission | Powr-range |
|---|---|
| Transmission(optional) | SAE 90 |
| Oil type | SAE 90 |
| Gears | 8 forward and 2 reverse |
| Oil capacity | 60 qts [56.8 L] |
Mechanical Specs of J.I. Case, 400
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Mechanical dry discs brakes
| Steering | Manual |
|---|---|
| Steering(optional) | Power optional |
Power Information of J.I. Case, 400
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 540 (1.375) |
Hydraulics Specifications of J.I. Case, 400
| Capacity | 2.25 gal [8.5 L] |
|---|---|
| Total flow | 12 gpm [45.4 lpm] |
| Valves | 2 (optional) |
| Valves(optional) | 2.6 gal (with Eagle Hitch) [9.8 L] |
| Pressure | 600 psi [41.4 bar] |
Three-Point Hitch of J.I. Case, 400
| Type | Case Eagle Hitch |
|---|
Electrical System of J.I. Case, 400
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 6 |
| Batteries | 2 |
| Charging system | Generator |
| Battery AH | 150 |
| Charging volts | 12 |
Where it sits
Its power puts it in the 81th percentile of 1950s models in our database (592 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the J.I. Case 400 have?
The J.I. Case 400 delivers 55 hp[B] HP.
What years was the J.I. Case 400 produced?
The J.I. Case 400 was produced in 1955-1957.
What transmission does the J.I. Case 400 use?
The J.I. Case 400 uses a Powr-range transmission.
How much does the J.I. Case 400 weigh?
The J.I. Case 400 weighs 5,600 lbs [2540 kg].
Is the J.I. Case 400 4WD?
The J.I. Case 400 is available in 2WD.