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Odessa, Washington | Hi Case lovers and others may be not so much, I have been farming and teaching and in farm politics, working in dryland and irrigation crops and been working on ways to make things better in agriculture for 38 years now. This last harvest was my 53rd straight years in a row. I had my first combine when I was in the 6th grade, I think it may have been a Massy 21. I know they were sure dirty and probably had a tank of about 70 some bu. it was our first self-propelled combine that started to move us away from the tractor pull machines like the International 51, we had it set up so the tractor driver could drive and operate the combine at the same time. You all have stories to tell but my point today is that whenever you started farming and technology was where every you were at that time it has continued to grow and evolve into more complex ideas and machinery, such as the Case 94 was in its time. The history about the 1980's and the tractors is very interesting. There were true facts and not so true statements put out about the tractors, especially the 4994. The Scania engine is a good worker worldwide, and if you know how and where to buy the parts it is a lot cheaper and easy to fix. The Twin Disk transmission was and is used in almost every brand of tractor, it also has been good to us. Name your color and I bet they have used it.
I may be a little or a lot crazy but I do like those tractors, maybe that is why I have 4 of them plus a 4890 and 4894 and at one time I had a 2670. This last week we installed our first computer to control the steering and shifting of the Twin Disk power shift transmission.
Push a button your in 2 or 4 wheel steering push the up or down button and you go from neutral to 12 or back to reverse R1 and R2.
I share this with you so you know there is inexpensive modern control for steering and shifting of the 94 series tractor and that the same technology can be used in many of the other tractors that need electronic updates. So if that 94 won’t work for you except the error codes, fix it and enjoy a tractor that will still do the work of a 90000 dollar tractor.
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NW KS/ SC ID | You cant lead us on like that without pictures! :)
(4) 4994s would be a heck of a sight to see! |
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| https://octanepress.com/content/4994s-curse
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SW Minnesota | Following |
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North Liberty and South Bend, Indiana | Several problems within that article. They state 5 tractors within the 4wd lineup. There were only 4. They also state one being smaller than the 4494, also incorrect.
To my understanding its not the engine or transmission that were the issue with the 4994. It was the fact it was a 400 horse tractor. Even Steiger wasn't selling large 4wd tractors across the states in the 80's. Throw in the bad economy and a low demand high dollar tractor just wont sell.
I believe the transmission will handle the torque that big Scania puts out but its iffy if the rest of the driveline will. The 4994 is a whole 100 horse more than the 4894. In 1985 that 100 horse difference was probably almost as much as the average sized tractor in the midwest. |
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WC MN & Valley of the Sun, AZ | While the crabsteer Case tractors are an interesting footnote in history, the best thing Case-IH did was put them to pasture with the purchase of the Steiger line. Would have been an interesting timeline to see play out if CNH had kept the Versatile line instead. |
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SW MN | The 48 and the 49 do not share drive line components do they? |
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southcentral Minnesota | As much as I can appreciate your love for the brand And that they have treated you well, I can’t share in that affinity. After experiencing a 2470 and 2 2670’s and the issues I had with them and since then having a couple of bulletproof replacements, won’t name the brands cause it’s neither here nor there, plus design was different, articulates which in un of itself makes comparison unjust. I liked the concept but as other companies at that time, quality of construction and execution were lacking. Sales were such that getting anything off the line painted and to the dealer required less than stellar design and quality control, much to the detriment and future of many equipment manufacturers. That said I can only name one tractor that has abilities today that the cases featured then, claas xerion. I must say that the design seems quite suited to the Palouse area, not sure if you are in that area.
Congratulations on a lifetime dedicated to ag, far more praise worthy than the equipment.
Edited by Huh? 11/21/2018 12:20
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Central Alberta | Was the transmission the same one used in Versatile powershift tractors of that time like in the 876 and 936? Pics of your fleet would be welcome as well. Glad you had good luck with them. |
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NW KS/ SC ID | Schuerman Farms - 11/21/2018 10:50
While the crabsteer Case tractors are an interesting footnote in history, the best thing Case-IH did was put them to pasture with the purchase of the Steiger line. Would have been an interesting timeline to see play out if CNH had kept the Versatile line instead.
Dont forget the 9240 and 9260 were Crab Steer Steigers.
Interesting concept for sure, like the 2+2, the late ones were far superior to the early ones. |
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| The 94 series tractors(other than the 4994) did not use a Twin Disk transmission. It is a simple four speed gear box behind a four speed power shift similar to what case used since the 70 series tractors. The Twin disk was not used till after the Steiger merger.
Edited by FFFUN 11/21/2018 14:15
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Central ND | I'm curious about the computer you installed for shifting. Have 2 4994s with issues. One I remember gets the F7 code and I know the issues are in the transmission controller boxes. They were known to have issues.
Also have a 4890, 4894, and a 2090. |
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NW KS/ SC ID | Huh? - 11/21/2018 11:11
As much as I can appreciate your love for the brand And that they have treated you well, I can’t share in that affinity. After experiencing a 2470 and 2 2670’s and the issues I had with them and since then having a couple of bulletproof replacements, won’t name the brands cause it’s neither here nor there, plus design was different, articulates which in un of itself makes comparison unjust. I liked the concept but as other companies at that time, quality of construction and execution were lacking. Sales were such that getting anything off the line painted and to the dealer required less than stellar design and quality control, much to the detriment and future of many equipment manufacturers. That said I can only name one tractor that has abilities today that the cases featured then, claas xerion. I must say that the design seems quite suited to the Palouse area, not sure if you are in that area.
Congratulations on a lifetime dedicated to ag, far more praise worthy than the equipment.
Thats like saying no one could have good luck with a 4-270 because your early 4-150 was crap... Tractor may have the same design and layout, but I highly doubt much is common between the two. |
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Southeast Washington | GM Guy - 11/20/2018 23:35
Schuerman Farms - 11/21/2018 10:50
While the crabsteer Case tractors are an interesting footnote in history, the best thing Case-IH did was put them to pasture with the purchase of the Steiger line. Would have been an interesting timeline to see play out if CNH had kept the Versatile line instead.
Dont forget the 9240 and 9260 were Crab Steer Steigers.
Interesting concept for sure, like the 2+2, the late ones were far superior to the early ones.
We had a 9260 for 16 years and was a great tractor for running in the steep hills. The bad part about it though was Case IH didn't have real brakes on them for the hills so most had to put on an engine brake of some kind. The crab steer would keep it on the hills a lot better than a similar size articulated tractor. We don't need half the tractor wanting to go down the hill like when you steer an articulated tractor. |
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southcentral Minnesota | no probably not but since I can’t price out anthing new of either lineage I would say the consumer has spoken. The 9240 and 60 were the last attempts, should of been the best of both lines as Steiger has had a very good reputation. My experience again was noted to be different then the op, life goes on. Did have a 4-150, quite liked it and was fine for what it was used for, followed a few less than adequate Oliver’s and a couple of good ones. I’m color blind and a glutton for punishment but I’ve seemed to hit a streak of quite reliable tractors that haven’t sat at the dealer being repair for quite some time. I sit with not one tractor that’s the same color in the sheds, I’m an equal opportunity buyer.
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Sunburst Montana | I have a friend who used to farm with a 4994. When the engine went out he transplanted a cummins 855 into it. Used for another year then traded it for a JD 9420. |
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East Central Saskatchewan | Nice to see some input about these tractors. Yes, they definitely have there design flaws, but they are good hard working tractors with good features at a great price. To put in a statement, I wouldn't say very many of the actual Case tractors sold in the US, more up our way. Here Case tractors (70,90,94,96 series) outnumber JD tractors of the similar age about 10 to 1. They are cheap power and when they work good they can outperform similar size tractors of other companies in the similar age. I have two Cases owned myself and have ran a hell of a lot more of them in my younger days back in the 80's and 90's. I've got one ticking in over 40,000 hours, and I have been offered over half of new for it. I take very good care of them, and if you take care of them they will take care of you. Some hate them and others love them, but at the end of the day its all about getting the work done, and if you can get it done then consider yourself happy. Getting increasingly hard though to find good used ones any more though. I have ran the 4wd ones back in the day for other guys, but these ar the two I got now.
Appears I dont have a picture of the other one, get one tonight.
Edited by Saskyfarmer 11/21/2018 17:08
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Roseglen, North Dakota | I beg to differ when you say 4994 was only 400 hp in the 80's. Nothing could be further from the truth
Big Budds were 400 hp in the 70s
JD 8850 released in 82, an easy 400 hp
Steiger CP 1400 400 hp in early 80s
Tiger 470 and 525 at same time
Versatile 1150 same time
There were plenty of those 400 hp tractors sold in the 80s. Dozens just in our area
The tractor didn't sell because it had a Swedish V-8 that was expensive to work on and parts could take months to get. The transmission was far from bulletproof either. End of story. They sold for $20000 here 15 years ago. They cd sit in a case shop for months waiting for overseas parts
Edited by jd8850 11/21/2018 17:52
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North Liberty and South Bend, Indiana | I didn't say it was the only 400 horse tractor. I said it didn't sell because it was a 400 horse tractor. The demand for a very expensive very large tractor was very minimal with the exception of a few places. Today 400 horse 4wd's are found all over.
I believe the 8850 was shy of 400 at the flywheel where the 4994 was 400.
Edited by Farms With CASE 11/21/2018 18:02
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Michigan | We had several Case tractor when I was growing up. The white 94 series are my favorite!
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East Central Saskatchewan | Ha Poe I didn't know that you had a white 1896, thought you had a red one! Same thing I guess, all I can say is it looks pretty dam nice! |
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Michigan | Thanks Sasky, I bought it from a guy who put a lot of love into her. When I was growing up in the 80's and 90's we owned a 2290 all the way up to a 3594. My favorite was the 83 2394, I always liked the white color scheme. Over the years we have switched to deere, which are great tractors, but I have always had a sweet spot for an old Case. Great tractor for the money! |
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East Central Saskatchewan | Definitely agree. I remember back a long time ago when I was still a little guy, dad had a 970 and a David Brown for quite a few years until we got the 1896. Ran a lot of those 70 and 90 series back in the day during my teenage years. Always liked them for what they where. Pretty easy to work on and got a lot of work done with them. We did have a 85' white 1896 before the red one we got now, but we traded it off for the 87' red one to get a couple more options in the winter of 88'. I would love to find another 18 or 2096 to get for haying, but getting pretty hard to find those models now never mind in good shape for a decent price. I got offered 18k for mine a couple years ago by a guy that delivers feed, but it's not going to leave the farm as long as I'm here. I know there are some real jems sitting around but to start paying 20 to 30k for one doesn't make a lot of sense really. I bought the 1070 this spring actually from a guy a couple hours away, it has been good to me so far, but I kind of overpayed a bit. The boy runs it, he likes the old Cases too. The other day I actually discovered and air filter for the 970 in one storage cabinet. Unfortunately though since the engine is different then the 970 it won't work in it, but I will keep it because who knows what could happen. Knowledge is dieing out day by day in these tractors unfortunately though is the sad part. It seems like you either love em or hate em. I like the white scheme too, the orange rims really made the tractor pop too! Not sure how they got the orange idea though. Anyways that's enough talk for now lol. |
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Odessa, Washington | OK I will work on the Pics but it may take sometime, winter has come.
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NW KS/ SC ID | Even cooler! I was not expecting the Gleaners! Thanks for the pics!
If you are really bored, maybe round up the serial numbers, we picked up a 85 N7 that came from the Palouse, it has the Deutz decals and the 24.5 duals like the far right one in your pic. It would be fun if it was anywhere close to any of yours. We keep track of serial numbers, and so far we have a pair of consecutive L2s, a pair of consecutive L3s, and 2 R7s that are exactly 10 numbers apart. In Idaho dad has a pair of consecutive Fs, and 2 G diesel hydros that are one number apart (one ends in 5, other ends in 7)
Here is one of the two R7s, this old gal is just short of 7500 hours.
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NW KS/ SC ID | jd8850 - 11/21/2018 16:47
I beg to differ when you say 4994 was only 400 hp in the 80's. Nothing could be further from the truth
Big Budds were 400 hp in the 70s
JD 8850 released in 82, an easy 400 hp
Steiger CP 1400 400 hp in early 80s
Tiger 470 and 525 at same time
Versatile 1150 same time
There were plenty of those 400 hp tractors sold in the 80s. Dozens just in our area
The tractor didn't sell because it had a Swedish V-8 that was expensive to work on and parts could take months to get. The transmission was far from bulletproof either. End of story. They sold for $20000 here 15 years ago. They cd sit in a case shop for months waiting for overseas parts
Pretty sure the 8850 was 370 HP, was it not? |
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NW KS/ SC ID | Steiger Man - 11/21/2018 15:29
I have a friend who used to farm with a 4994. When the engine went out he transplanted a cummins 855 into it. Used for another year then traded it for a JD
9420.
Did he trade with a Dealer in KS? I remember the local dealer having a Cummins powered 4994 on tractor house for a short while, IDK if it even hit the lot before it was sold. |
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Michigan | Tractor house is where I found mine and gave 18 for it. 18k seems to be the going rate, maybe a touch more for a really nice one. A good guy (I forget his name at the moment Darrel maybe) to talk to about parts or problems is Stryker tractor service. He knows his stuff, and a good guy to talk with. He will talk old Case all day! The 1896 I found had been gone through, since the owner was a Case mechanic for 38yrs. I would like to see a pic of yours when you get a chance. That's awesome to have 40k hours on a tractor, that has been in the family since new! |
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Central ND | GM Guy - 11/22/2018 00:46
Steiger Man - 11/21/2018 15:29
I have a friend who used to farm with a 4994. When the engine went out he transplanted a cummins 855 into it. Used for another year then traded it for a JD
9420.
Did he trade with a Dealer in KS? I remember the local dealer having a Cummins powered 4994 on tractor house for a short while, IDK if it even hit the lot before it was sold.
If my memory hasn't failed me, there was actually a few built from the factory with the 855 Cummins. Cant remember how many though. |
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East Central Saskatchewan | Yes, I would pay 20k for a real nice 96 series, but the latest ones I looked at where 2090 and 2290 on retirement auction. 2290 sold for 23k and 2090 sold for 26k. Really nice tractors but too much for a tractor that old. 7000 hours on the 2090, 5500 on the 2290. They both had the updated rear ends, but the 2090 was in a bit better shape. Anyways, I've got one guy at the local Case that is pretty knowledgeable on the old Cases, but you can only phone him during working hours because he gets so many phone calls about the tractors that his wife gets mad at him because when they go camping or such on the weekend he would is constantly on the phone otherwise. I did have a pic of the tractor on the phone but moved it to the computer and deleted it because I needed some more space. I will get one tonight, it was too dark to take a good one by the time I got back out yesterday. |
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Sunburst Montana | Traded it right here at the local JD dealer. |
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Sunburst Montana | They were 370 engine and 300 pto. |
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East Central Saskatchewan | Well I got some pictures of it today. Exterior looks ok yet just kind of frosty. If I had a shop to work in, I would like to order a cab kit and fix the interior, plus replace the seat. All those hours have really worn down on the interior and it is starting to fall apart. Everything is original though other then the hood, as I used to have the original Case loader on it until a loader arm snapped, and it crushed the hood so I had to fix it. If I could I would like to fix it up real nice because it is kind of a sentimental piece, although doing that would involve redoing the decals, and probably would also if going that far split and and check the trans, and redo all the seals, and rebuild the motor (which has not been apart yet), but I will wait until I have to fix something major, then probably do it all right. It works well though and runs good so I will keep it like this for now. It actually sees more hours per year then my newer FWA and the 1070 combined. It does all the baling and cutting during the summer, but if I need a tractor in the winter I will grab the FWA because it is so much nicer to use in the snow.
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Michigan | You've taken good care of that tractor for having that many hours. I have a couple tractors with 12k hours, and they would look a lot worse than that if we hadn't repainted or installed new interior. Nice tractor Sasky! |
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Manitoba | Was hoping to get some more info on that new steering and shifting modification you mentioned. I tried sending an email but maybe it did not get through. my email is in my profile
but include here as well
[email protected]
thanks |
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| Oh come on. Some of us liked them...
Don't forget the 9260 crab steers Stiegers! Best 4WD we've had. |
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South Central Alberta | Sorry for chiming in late but I have to say that controller sure looks nice! I've built a few also but mine were a little crude and very low tech (although they did prove to be quite reliable). Anything is better than the original one.
I personally found the 4994 to be a very comfortable tractor to use, it is smooth riding, quiet, and best of all was that you could keep it perfectly straight back in the days before GPS. Definitely the nicest tractor I've operated.
Edited by Alberta Bound 12/4/2018 09:02
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SENE | the 3294 was considered a 4wd |
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Case 4994 and 94 series
