Project Case 440-H

Hi tractor People
I have never owned or worked on an old tractor, but now I need to figure it out! I have purchased a tractor that caught my eye, and it is a project to say the least. It is a CASE
440 H, the serial number is 6153836. I was told by someone who knows about as little as I do that that number indicates it being a 1961? It is very unique I believe, it has a front bucket, a three point hook up on the back with a PTO shaft and a scraper blade under it centered between the front and rear axles. There are controls that operate the scraper blade. Everything works and the engine seems to run very good. It has a lot of hydraulic hoses that has a few leaks going on. I need all the advice I can get, so hopefully this is a good place to start? Eddie

Welcome to YT! Just a heads up, you could put your questions on the Case forum a little further down on this site. Lots of amazing people on these forums that can help you out. Good luck. Kow Farmer Kurt

You can save that steering wheel, just go to O'Reilly's and get some spray-on truck bed coating, black. Spray on 8 - 10 coats, lightly sanding in between coats. You'll have a black, grippy, textured, good surface.

The H in the number means high speed gears. That thing will move going down the road. But there are other who know more about those small frame cases than I do down on the case forum.

Welcome Eddie!

The first thing to do is check all the fluid levels, top them up only if dangerously low.

Then get you a note pad, carry it with you and go for a test run. Put it through the paces, try all the implements. Try to find something to run on the PTO. Write down every noise, leak, abnormal action, everything you can find or even suspect. Inspect everything closely, look for loose bolts, cracks, worn suspension, bad wiring, etc.

That will give you an idea where you stand. What to expect weather it will run as is or will need some attention. At its age chances are there will be problems unless it's a rare find that has already been gone through.

Next get a shop manual. A real paper manual you can carry around, get greasy, and write in. They are not expensive, usually can be found used on Ebay. Forums are good, but nothing beats having reliable information in hand when you need it! Once you get it, read it! Study it, immerse yourself in it, put yourself back in the day when it was built. You'll be amazed what you will learn, things you never thought of!

After you get a game plan, then decide if you want to use it as is, change the fluids, stop the leaks, etc. Or tear it down, do a more thorough repair. Just be careful not to go so deep it becomes overwhelming. At the same time don't miss something and have to take it all back apart!

Restoration is a serious endeavor. That involves total disassembly, many never get finished! Most first timers are better off going for practical. Make it dependable, stop the leaks, put some lipstick on it, get it back on its feet! Try to save all the original parts you can. Lots of aftermarket stuff out there, but it's just not the same quality. Sometimes used is better!

Ask all the questions you want, take lots of pictures, document your progress! Let us know how it goes!