Case 930 vs Oliver 1850

I am looking at two tractors and can't make up my mind. One is a case 930 diesel and the other is a oliver 1850 diesel. Both are in about the same good running condition without any major problems, and around the same price, $4200 from the oliver and $3600 for the Case.

My question is, what are the pros and cons for each tractor, and which is the better overall tractor for pulling power, reliability, and ease of maintenance and finding parts?

I will be using it to do basic field work like plowing with a 3 bottom 16" plows on hilly land, pulling a 12 ft disk and 12 foot cultimulcher.

I can't comment about the Case,but you already know all the good things you've been told about the 1850.

I have spent time on both. I like the Perkins 354 Greatly! The Case was a great Tractor, Lots of Power, Long Stroke engine. There are lots of parts available for the 1850. I do not know about the Case.

I would not hesitate buying either one of those tractors. Both have very good reputations around here. So if the tires are about the same go with the Case. Might as well save $600.

Buy them both see which one you like the best sell the other one.By that time you'll want to keep both it'll make the decision easier.

Very comparable tractors. For heavy work I would give the edge to the case because of the long stroke ahed pulling engine and somewhat tougher clutch. Not that the Oliver is bad for either of those, but I believe the case has the edge. The case will also burn a shade less fuel, again. Almost too close to call. The Oliver will have the edge for diving as their steering and brakes are better. But as said, both are great reliable tractors.

Does the Case 930 have a high/low that can be shifted on the go? Seen a lot of them but never drove one.

I think the Case is hard to see the drawbar sometimes. I also felt like I was over the steering wheel when operating one.

I think the Oliver will be more user friendly and flexible especially with the over/under transmission. Case will have the edge in the engine department. I?m assuming you are looking at the 8 speed 930. If it?s a 6 speed 930 then the Oliver all the way.

The one I used was only in high or low. No changing on the go.

No, the 9/1030 only had straight 8 speed or 6 speed in the western special. For pulling the 6 speed is better,but they had a high PTO which made some progress equipment hard to use and they didn't have a 3 pt. At that time the smaller 7/830 and the smaller frame tractors had the case-o-matic.

If it?s a 930 Comfort King with the 8 speed transmission and 3pt hitch, I?d go with the Case. If it?s the 6 speed, I?d go Oliver.

Wait till Jan 25th auction, we have a very nice 930CK for you, stop over and take her for a spin!

flip a coin, as others have said, i'd maybe go with the Olie for brakes and handling. If the 1850 has over-under-direct I'd lean that way too.

Also kinda depends on what you're using it for.

since they are pretty equal tractors i'd look at which one is in better shape. history, recent overhaul?, tire wear, hours, other features like ROPS/Canopy on the OLie, is the Oliver wide or narrow front? price ect ect

The Oliver 1850 is a better handling tractor. Much more nimble. The Case always seemed clumsy to me.

There were many versions of the Case 930 from 1960 until 1969. I presume that you are referring to a later model Comfort King model with an 8spd transmission. We in the Case community considered them bullet proof.
They had a 401cu.in. engine with 5" stroke. That engine had the heart of a team of Belgian draft horses.
Other brands such as IH and Oliver had TA's or Hydro Shift, but need them because their high rpm engines lack torque. The 930 engine would just belly down and pull thru tough spots. Like Oliver Case 930's were offered with both short and long wheel bases, so handling was comparable. The 930 was much nicer-more comfortable to drive, as the flat platform isolated the operator from the heat of the tranny and hydraulic system and the "cab forward" concept offered better visibility and smother ride. I am not going to knock an 1850, because they were good tractors also. They are both 50 plus year old tractors. My 931 is still carrying it's weight and getting the job done.
I am not sure what you have for dealer support, CNH verses AGCO so that could be a factor.
Personally I do not rely on CNH for parts for my 931. We have a very good Case parts suppler in our Case brotherhood here on YT. He has furnished me with everything from engine overhaul kits to shifting knobs at reasonable prices.
Go and get on them and drive them and make your own choice.
Loren

Get the Ollie. This is from a Case guy who owned an 1850 years ago. Wish I still had it.

We ran 2 930 8 speed CK Cases for 10 years. Very easy on fuel, very few problems. 1 weak point was single belt power steering. If belt is not super tight it slips and squeals.

I think jim g could still get parts for his case tractors from Wes, jims not doing so good, sold his cows and can hardly walk, pretty sad. But I hated his case 400!! Lol

Aw Jay, you just couldn't figure out how to shift his 400. Ironic part is that Olivers of that age had the same shifting pattern.
Sorry to hear about Jim. He was one of the nicest customers that we ever had.
Loren

Even tho the Ollie 1850 is the best of that series tractor, because they had the Perkins 354 engine, I would take the Case ONLY if it is the later Comfort King series. 401 cu in 5" stroke engine with 3 separate cylinder heads as apposed to 354 cu in 5" stroke 6cyl single head engine. Take a look at how the Oliver engine is coupled to the trans. A couple exposed sprockets with chain wrapped around them . That's how they were able to put about any engine that will bolt in the tub frame and that corporate got best deal on. Went back to the Wakashaw 310 engine the very next year/model 1855. Now ya got a 310 against a 401 . Look at the pure heft of the 3pt arms and all the rear castings etc. Case 930 and 1030 are a heavy built low rpm lugging tractor and are in my opinion pretty nimble to get around with. No brainer to me.