How Much Is My Garden Tractor Case 446 Worth

rober

New member

Joined: Jul 24, 2011

Messages: 23

Tractor: Gravely 5665

pretty clean 446 with: 3 pt. hitch, 16 h.p. onan, 52" front blade, factory cab, 46" tiller, snow blower, dual wheels. approx. value? approx. age?

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hydriv

Silver Member

Joined: Jul 16, 2010

Messages: 249

I agree with CAT 385B's valuation. The package is worth $2500.00 roughly. Certainly no less than $2000.00.

Condition is everything.

I would peg the year as being either a 1972 or very early 1973.

What is the Seller asking?

rober

New member

Joined: Jul 24, 2011

Messages: 23

Tractor: Gravely 5665

rober

New member

Joined: Jul 24, 2011

Messages: 23

Tractor: Gravely 5665

how are these tractors for mowing?

hydriv

Silver Member

Joined: Jul 16, 2010

Messages: 249

If you are asking about the quality of cut, the Case will produce a lawn that is on a par with the best mowers out there. People rave about the Simplicity's but I have known former Simp owners to state that their Case cuts every bit as well but without the striping that some property owners cherish.

Of course, how well a Case deck will cut is entirely dependent on two things. First of all, the deck must be in good repair. A badly worn deck is a deck that has a mind of its own. A deck with bent, dull blades will not give a good cut. Owners who have taken the time to conduct a thorough repair of their old decks are absolutely amazed at how whisper-quiet they are along with how level the cut is.

The other issue has to do with taking the time to adjust the deck properly. Decks must sit on the ground a certain way for them to give an excellent cut. The mower deck manual explains how this is done.

His asking price is essentially right on the money. However, pictures often lie and a personal inspection is essential to decide the true condition of the tractor and the attachments. I have never bought a tractor that looked as good in person as it did in the photos e-mailed to me.

Case lawn and garden tractors have a strong following but you would not know that based upon the activity of this forum. Even the MTF forum is not the most active site on the net when it comes to discussions about this brand. If you want more info, then try casecoltingersoll dot com. If you buy this tractor, I don't think you will be disappointed.

rober

New member

Joined: Jul 24, 2011

Messages: 23

Tractor: Gravely 5665

thanks for the input. i'm interested in this because of it's versatility. i'm not one for having a manicured lawn. i have a 3/4 acre of mostly fescue & clover. that may expand to 1 1/2 acres soon. i have a lot of fruit trees & several bee hives so i need something with a decent turn radius. i also have a fair sized garden so the tiller will be handy. overall my 1st impression is that this will suit my needs. i currently running older gravely 2 wheelers. i'm ready for a seat. do these tractors have weak points as in something i need to look out for in particular when i go to see it? it seems like every machine has it's strong & weak points.

hydriv

Silver Member

Joined: Jul 16, 2010

Messages: 249

An acre and a half of lawn is child's play for that Case. I would not classify any Case as a tight-turning machine. If that is a deal-breaker, then I suggest that you test drive the tractor in advance of handing over the cash.

The Case is a well-made machine with a lot of attachment versatility thanks in large part to the fact it uses hydraulic drive, not hydrostatic drive. You will quickly learn to love the tiller because it can be run in either direction at the flick of the control lever on the rear PTO. The 16 inch rear rubber will give an excellent ride quality that few other tractors have.

Because these tractors are built so strong, not much goes wrong with them other than the normal wear parts.

The rod ends on the drag link and tie rod do wear out because there is no way to lubricate them. Careless owners fail to lube the axle pivot pin and that area can get sloppy. The steering gear is easily adjusted to keep it tight but those who don't read their Owner's Manual are oblivious to that procedure as well as the location of all the other grease fittings.

Essentially, these are all small items. Many can be found at a local supplier. Keep in mind that this tractor is 39 years old and has likely gone through more than one owner in that time. Just to buy a replacement tractor today would set you back about seven grand with the deck. Add another 2 G's for the tiller, 1 G for the 3 pt, $300.00 for the sleeve hitch adapter, $400.00 for the hydraulic PTO , $800.00 for the blade, $1600.00 for the snow blower, $1000. 00 for the cab and you begin to understand just how good a deal this package is.

So, if you do buy it.... don't be afraid to spend some money on it to replace parts that show wear. There's a big gap between $2500.00 and $15,000.00 and it's money well-spent if you intend to keep the machine long-term.

rober

New member

Joined: Jul 24, 2011

Messages: 23

Tractor: Gravely 5665

i left a message with the owner. i do plan on checking this out. tractor out. in another photo there's an oil puddle at the back of the tractor. that could be dripping from the disconnected hydraulic line though. we'll see......old doesn't concern me. my newest gravely is a 1974. after 30 years as a carpenter/millwright i can find my way around a toolbox

Last edited: Jul 27, 2011

hydriv

Silver Member

Joined: Jul 16, 2010

Messages: 249

After you see this tractor, post back here with the serial number. Let us know your thoughts on your driving experience.