| Manufacturer |
Case |
| Price |
4,500(USD) |
| Model |
431 |
| Equipment Type |
Row-Crop Tractors |
| Factory |
Racine, Wisconsin, USA |
VARIANTS
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 785 2
| Description |
Diesel 4-speed 2WD April 6 - 15, 1961 Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 785 file PTO performance Drawbar performance Gear 3 used for power test Gear 1 used for pull test |
| Power at rated engine speed |
34.38hp / 25.6kW |
| Fuel use |
2.1gal/hour / 7.9l/hour |
| Max power |
30.33hp / 22.6kW |
| Max pull |
4,506lbs / 2043kg |
J.I. CASE 431 POWER
| PTO (claimed) |
34hp / 25.4kW |
| Plows |
3 |
| Drawbar (tested) |
30.33hp / 22.6kW |
| PTO (tested) |
34.38hp / 25.6kW |
ENGINE DETAIL
The J.I. Case 431 tractor features a durable 4-cylinder diesel engine with a 188.4ci (3.1L) displacement and a high compression ratio of 17.5:1, providing efficient power output and torque. Its oil-bath air cleaner is advantageous for maintaining engine cleanliness, while the 12-volt starter system ensures reliable starting under various conditions. The tractor's moderate coolant and oil capacities support effective thermal management and lubrication, but operators should monitor levels to prevent overheating and ensure longevity.
| Description |
J.I. Case diesel 4-cylinder liquid-cooled overhead valve |
| Displacement |
188.4ci / 3.1L |
| Bore/Stroke |
3.8125x4.125inches / 97x 105 mm |
| Air cleaner |
oil bath |
| Compression |
17.5:1 |
| Rated RPM |
1750 |
| Starter volts |
12 |
| Oil capacity |
5 qts /4.7 L |
| Coolant capacity |
13.5qts / 12.8L |
J.I. CASE 431 ENGINE
The J.I. Case 431 tractor features a robust 3.1L 4-cylinder diesel engine, providing adequate power for medium-duty agricultural tasks. Its 13-gallon (49.2L) fuel tank allows for extended operation between refueling, enhancing productivity in the field. However, potential challenges include increased weight with a full tank impacting maneuverability and possible strain on smaller tractors in hilly terrains.
| Description |
J.I. Case 3.1L 4-cyl diesel |
| Fuel tank |
13gal / 49.2L |
TRANSMISSIONS OVERVIEW
The Case 431 tractor features a 4-speed unsynchronized gear system complemented by a 12-speed unsynchronized gear and an 8-speed mechanical shuttle, providing versatile speed options for various agricultural tasks. The unsynchronized gears may present challenges in smooth shifting, demanding operator skill for optimal performance. This configuration is advantageous for applications requiring precise speed control, but may not suit operators seeking ease of use in rapid gear transitions.
| Description |
4-speed unsynchronized gear 12-speed unsynchronized gear 8-speed mechanical shuttle |
TRANSMISSION 1
The Case 431 tractor features a 4-speed unsynchronized transmission, allowing for simpler operation but potentially challenging gear shifts under load. The 254mm dry disc clutch provides robust engagement, suitable for various farming tasks, although it may require adjustment or maintenance over time to ensure optimal performance. This configuration is advantageous for applications that prioritize reliability and ease of use, but operators should be aware of the need for careful gear management to avoid grinding issues.
| Type |
unsynchronized gear |
| Gears |
4 forward and 1 reverse |
| Clutch |
254mm dry disc |
SPEEDS 1
| Description |
With 10-28 rear tires |
TRANSMISSION 2
The Case 431 tractor's Tripl-Range transmission enhances versatility by providing 12 forward and 3 reverse gears, optimized for various field conditions. The unsynchronized gear system may present challenges in shifting under load, requiring skilled operation to prevent gear clash. The 254mm dry disc clutch offers robust engagement, but may necessitate more frequent adjustments compared to hydraulic clutches, particularly in demanding agricultural scenarios.
| Transmission |
Tripl-Range |
| Type |
unsynchronized gear |
| Gears |
12 forward and 3 reverse |
| Clutch |
254mm dry disc |
| Description |
Tripl-Range adds three ranges (low, direct, and high) to the basic four-speed transmission. |
TRANSMISSION 3
The Case 431 tractor features a dual-range mechanical shuttle transmission with 8 forward and reverse gears, providing versatility for various tasks. The 279.4mm dry disc clutch allows for efficient power transfer under load, although it may require more maintenance compared to hydraulic clutches. This setup is ideal for applications needing precise speed control, such as tilling or hauling, but may pose challenges in heavy-duty operations requiring rapid gear changes.
| Transmission |
Dual-Range Shuttle |
| Type |
mechanical shuttle |
| Gears |
8 forward and reverse |
| Clutch |
279.4mm dry disc |
| Description |
Four gears in two ranges with mechanical shuttle. |
MECHANICAL
The Case 431 tractor features a 4x2 2WD chassis, providing good traction for lighter agricultural tasks but limited performance in uneven terrains compared to all-wheel drive models. Its manual or power steering option enhances maneuverability, particularly beneficial for reducing operator fatigue during extended use. The unsynchronized transmission offers straightforward shifting, but operators should be aware of potential challenges with gear engagement under load, which may hinder efficiency in demanding scenarios.
| Chassis |
4x2 2WD |
| Steering |
manual/power (1965 on) |
| Brakes |
mechanical band/disc |
| Cab |
Open operator station |
| Transmissions |
4-speed unsynchronized gear/12-speed unsynchronized gear/8-speed mechanical shuttle |
HYDRAULICS
| Type |
Dual-Control |
| Valves |
1 |
TRACTOR HITCH
| Rear Type |
I |
| Control |
Draft-o-Matic draft control |
| Type |
Case Eagle Hitch |
POWER TAKE-OFF (PTO)
| Rear PTO |
live/independent*Independent PTO optional beginning in 1966. |
| Rear RPM |
540/540/1000 |
J.I. CASE 431 TIRES
The Case 431 tractor is equipped with Ag front tires sized 5.50x16 and rear tires of 12.4x28 or 13.6x28, providing a solid balance between traction and flotation on varied terrains. The larger rear tires enhance soil compaction management and stability, ideal for tillage and heavy-duty field operations. However, the smaller front tires may limit front-end weight distribution during lifting tasks, potentially affecting loader performance and front-end stability.
| Ag front |
5.50x16 |
| Ag rear |
12.4x28/13.6x28 |
DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase |
79.5inches / 201cm (wide front)/84.5inches / 214cm (tricycle) |
| Length |
127.375inches / 323cm (wide front)/130.125inches / 330cm (tricycle) |
| Width |
79.625inches / 202cm |
| Height (hood) |
57inches / 144cm |
| Ground clearance |
20.125inches / 51cm |
| Front tread |
52 to 80inches / 132to 203 cm |
| Rear tread |
48 to 88inches / 121to 223 cm |
J.I. CASE 431 WEIGHT
| Shipping |
3375lbs / 1530kg (tricycle)/3495lbs / 1585kg (wide front) |
| Operating |
3839lbs / 1741kg |
| Ballasted |
6355lbs / 2882kg |
DIMENSIONS & TIRES
The Case 431 tractor features a versatile wheelbase of 79.5 inches for the wide front and 84.5 inches for the tricycle configuration, allowing for improved stability and maneuverability across various terrains. Weighing between 3,375 to 3,839 pounds, it offers suitable traction while maintaining a balanced weight distribution for effective field operations. The front and rear tire dimensions (5.50x16 and 12.4x28, respectively) provide a good grip, ideal for both row crop applications and loader work, but may require careful attention to tire pressure for optimizing performance.
| Wheelbase |
79.5inches / 201cm (wide front)/84.5inches / 214cm (tricycle) |
| Weight |
3375 to 3839 pounds |
| Front tire |
5.50x16 |
| Rear tire |
12.4x28 |
431 SERIAL NUMBERS
| Location |
Instrument panel |
| 1960 |
6144001 |
| 1961 |
6162601 |
| 1962 |
8190001 |
| 1963 |
8208001 |
| 1964 |
8229001 |
| 1965 |
8253501 |
| 1966 |
8279001 |
| 1967 |
8306501 |
| 1968 |
8332101 |
| 1969 |
8356251 |
BELT PULLEY
| Diameter |
10.25inches / 26cm |
| Width |
6 inches /15 cm |
| RPM |
1190 |
