| Manufacturer |
J.I. 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 robust 4-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 3.1L and a high compression ratio of 17.5:1, which enhances fuel efficiency and power output at its rated RPM of 1750. The use of an oil bath air cleaner contributes to better filtration in dusty environments, although it may require more maintenance compared to dry filters. With an oil capacity of 5 quarts and a coolant capacity of 13.5 quarts, it is suitable for moderate workloads; however, operators should monitor fluid levels closely to prevent overheating or lubrication issues.
| 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 is powered by a robust 3.1L 4-cylinder diesel engine, providing excellent torque characteristics suitable for heavy-duty applications. With a fuel tank capacity of 13 gallons (49.2L), this tractor offers a commendable operating range, ideal for extended fieldwork without frequent refueling. However, operators should anticipate potential challenges with fuel efficiency in demanding conditions and ensure routine maintenance of the engine for optimal performance.
| Description |
J.I. Case 3.1L 4-cyl diesel |
| Fuel tank |
13gal / 49.2L |
TRANSMISSIONS OVERVIEW
The J.I. Case 431 tractor features a versatile 12-speed unsynchronized transmission, allowing for a wide range of speed options for different field conditions, enhancing productivity. The 4-speed unsynchronized gear provides basic options, while the 8-speed mechanical shuttle enables quick directional changes, improving efficiency in tasks requiring forward and reverse operations. However, the unsynchronized nature may demand more operator skill, especially during gear shifts under load, posing a challenge for less experienced users.
| Description |
4-speed unsynchronized gear 12-speed unsynchronized gear 8-speed mechanical shuttle |
TRANSMISSION 1
The J.I. Case 431 tractor features an unsynchronized gearbox with four forward gears and one reverse, which may challenge seamless shifting, especially under load. The 254mm dry disc clutch provides adequate engagement but can lead to increased wear if poorly managed during operations. Ideal for light farming tasks, this tractor's design suits vintage machinery enthusiasts, but may not meet the demands of modern heavy-duty applications.
| Type |
unsynchronized gear |
| Gears |
4 forward and 1 reverse |
| Clutch |
254mm dry disc |
SPEEDS 1
| Description |
With 10-28 rear tires |
TRANSMISSION 2
The J.I. Case 431 tractor's Tripl-Range transmission enhances its versatility, providing 12 forward and 3 reverse gears for optimal performance in varied conditions. The unsynchronized gear system may present challenges during gear shifts, demanding operator skill. A 254mm dry disc clutch offers reliable engagement but may require regular maintenance to prevent wear and ensure smooth operation, especially in heavy-duty 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 J.I. Case 431 tractor features a Dual-Range Shuttle transmission with 8 forward and reverse gears, providing versatile speed and torque options suitable for various agricultural applications. The mechanical shuttle design enhances ease of use during directional changes, making it efficient for tasks requiring frequent forward-reverse operations. However, the 279.4mm dry disc clutch may require more maintenance compared to wet clutches, which could pose challenges in heavy-duty applications.
| 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 J.I. Case 431 tractor features a 4x2 2WD chassis, suitable for light to moderate fieldwork but may struggle in challenging traction scenarios. Its manual/power steering system, introduced in 1965, provides operator flexibility, while the mechanical band/disc brakes may require regular maintenance to ensure safety. The transmission options, ranging from 4-speed to 12-speed unsynchronized gear, allow for versatility in speed selection but can be challenging for operators requiring precise gear shifting under load.
| 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 J.I. Case 431 tractor is equipped with 5.50x16 ag front tires and either 12.4x28 or 13.6x28 ag rear tires, providing optimal traction and stability for agricultural tasks. The tire configuration allows for a balanced weight distribution, enhancing performance in field operations while also enabling versatility in handling various implements. However, the narrower front tires may challenge the tractor's stability on uneven terrain, requiring careful handling to avoid tipping in steep conditions.
| 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 J.I. Case 431 tractor features a wheelbase of 79.5 inches (wide front) and 84.5 inches (tricycle), providing stability for various terrains. Weighing between 3,375 to 3,839 pounds, it offers good ballast for heavy tillage tasks and can operate effectively under load. Its tire configuration (5.50x16 front and 12.4x28 rear) supports traction in agricultural applications but may limit maneuverability in confined spaces compared to smaller models.
| 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 |
