Info on Case 446

ffrydriver said:

Thanks for any info I can get on this case

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I suggest you go to the Ingersoll site, http://www.ingersolltractors.com/, and read up on the new tractors because they are, with respect to the drive train and major components, the same as the ones built by Case going back to the early 70's. The hydraulic drive is the centerpiece of the their design and is unique in the garden tractor world. One of the major benefits is that many attachments such as tillers, logsplitter, leaf vacs and others can be run directly off the tractor hydraulics. The other major benefit is that they are incredibly rugged and reliable since many of the components prone to failure in other tractors don't exist on these. The other good news is that since the design has remained virtually unchanged you can still purchase most parts new through any Ingersoll dealer.

fry,

only issue, is if you live on a hill side, the hyd drive system will free wheel down the hill.

Case did make sometype valve that would eliminate this concern.

Flat yard or climbing a hill they are great.

Just a heads up.

maxwell1 said:

fry,

only issue, is if you live on a hill side, the hyd drive system will free wheel down the hill.

Case did make sometype valve that would eliminate this concern.

Flat yard or climbing a hill they are great.

Just a heads up.

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If it doesn't have the added valve you could always add one, or read the owners manual on how to use the retard feature.

I just added one to my 446, but I have a few of these machines and I decided to make them all operate the same (I don't trust my memory ).
However, I used my 446 and prior my 195 since the mid 80's without the valve.

JMoe said:

Bahh! Holding valves are for wusses. Look out.. Weeeeee!!! Seriously though, down-hill is controllable on the oldies. You've just got to be on your A-game, read the recommendations here and in your manual. Oh.. functioning brakes help too.

Joel

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The 446 has no brakes except for a parking brake. If you step on it while traveling it will throw it in neutral and still won't stop it. Just pull back on the travel control. You can go all the way into reverse if need be.

jeepersmitty said:

The 446 has no brakes except for a parking brake. If you step on it while traveling it will throw it in neutral and still won't stop it. Just pull back on the travel control. You can go all the way into reverse if need be.

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But KEEP the hydraulic pressure up by keeping the throttle near wide open. And remember that putting it all the way into reverse may put you into an uncontrollable skid! Use the "retard" according to the owners manual!

CentNYguy said:

"Retard" feature:
Apply named feature as that is exactly what I felt like as was picking up speed and rolling down the hill pumping the "brake".

How does one go about installing the valve to correct this? I only have so many pairs of work pants at my disposal to soil!

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In your thread, you said that you got the Operator's Manual with this tractor. Did you not read it??

There is a section in that manual that tells you how to use the RETARD feature. The procedure is not difficult to master if you follow the instructions completely.

Try it. You might find that you don't really need a holding valve. However, if you have an extra $200.00 to $250.00 kicking around then used valves can be bought off e-Bay if you know which valve you need.

Yes, I read it however...
Much like the first time one drives a stick shift, theoretical knowledge is no match for the real thing. I believe MOST people would react the exact same way I did in the event of a "run away" tractor situation. Stomp on the brakes and pray. When I reached the end of my ride I then recalled that the "brake" put me into neutral and that I should have made use of the "retard" feature...

hence the joke.

There are two styles of holding valves.

The newest one is integrated with the travel/lift valve and became standard issue on most tractors built during 1985 and 1986. By 1987, all models with Hy-Drive had this valve. This valve can be installed on the earlier tractors but requires modifications.

Earlier tractors used the optional, externally mounted holding valve. This consisted of three steel lines, some fittings and the rectangular holding valve that made up a kit that was available from the dealership. To install this valve, you remove the two steel lines that run between the drive motor and the travel valve and store them somewhere safe. The holding valve kit mounts where those steel lines were. Quite simple and quite easy to install.

However, you must make sure that the holding valve you buy is correct for the model and year of your tractor because there were four different ones.

As for your wild ride, most people pay big money at amusement parks to get that much adrenaline flowing at one time. With a Case tractor, this is just one more perk that comes with ownership. Enjoy.:bananapow

CentNYguy said:

"Retard" feature:
Apply named feature as that is exactly what I felt like as was picking up speed and rolling down the hill pumping the "brake".

How does one go about installing the valve to correct this? I only have so many pairs of work pants at my disposal to soil!

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When this happens don't forget to holler "wweeeeeee..."

Seriously though its happened to me more than I care to admit. My entire barn area is on a giant hill and the barn area is level and landscaped with big boulders and many trees are also present.

If it does get away from you don't panic, just ride it out and don't run anyone over or hit anything.

Caseman2 said:

When this happens don't forget to holler "wweeeeeee..."

Seriously though its happened to me more than I care to admit. My entire barn area is on a giant hill and the barn area is level and landscaped with big boulders and many trees are also present.

If it does get away from you don't panic, just ride it out and don't run anyone over or hit anything.

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Oh, I was hollering something alright. But it wasn't "weeee" and I'm pretty sure it would violate the vulgarity policy on this sight :0