Wheel Horse C121 vs. Case 444 Review

[tomtractor 71]

So ...  I have had a Wheel Horse C121 for about 2 years now.  It has been very solid and capable.  But over the last year I have gotten itchy to try another tractor.  Something bigger and more exotic.  So I started looking for a Case 444.  The case looks cool with its large rear wheels and hydraulic drive.  I looked through Craigslist for about 3 months and finally found a Case 444 (About 1982) that seamed to fit the bill.  I purchased it and started fixing little stuff that needed attention.  I got the tractor working in very workable condition.  I have enjoyed the tractor but have decided to sell the Case 444 because it has NOT out-preformed the WH 121.

 

My Thoughts on the Case 444

-The Case doesn't have grease fittings on the mower deck.  The hydraulic drive seams strange and to hard to get used to.  The tractor sits to big and is hard to get on/off.  The mower deck does not have front rollers that follow the ground while mowing.  Other than that the Case seams like an awesome machine.  Plus it looks Bad @#$! 

 

My thoughts on the WH 121

-WH has rollers and grease fittings on deck.  The 8 speed transmission is more solid and predictable than the Case 444 (also probably more reliable).  The WH is smaller and just more user friendly for getting on/off.  

 

Both are easy to work on and parts seam easy to get for an affordable price.  Don't get me wrong the Case 444 is a nice machine - it just doesn't fit my lifestyle as much as I thought it would.  I am writing this review for anyone that might be looking to switch from WH to a Case 444. I have to say also that this forum is more fun than the Case forum.

[qd-16 14]

Yes the Case decks have sealed bearings, not too bad to replace.  I had a Case 220 for a while and though I believe the hydraulic drives are very dependable, they are very jerky!!

 

One nice things about Case is that they are still in business but dealers are a little scarce in my area.

[Kelly 1,031]

If you get a few years newer 400 series Case they added about 2" in the wheel base all in front of the seat, they are easier to get on and off, also if you do not have a holding valve the case will free wheel going down hills, the much newer one have it built in, Case tractors are built very well, but kinda a pain to work on. 

[Dieselcowboy 210]

More on cases.. Dad has a 446 with a 3pt. Uses it all the time to move trailers and rear blade. Wont even put the mower deck on it. More of a utility tractor than a lawn mower type.  Case Also has a wh whooped on hydro drives. If you stall a auto wh's wheels you can burn the hydro out. No so on the case as they have a hydraulic motor for the drive with an actual hydro pump. Stall them all you want. Yes they are jerky but very reliable. More you drive it the better you will get with it.

Edited October 1, 2013 by Dieselcowboy