John Deere 185 vs. Case 444 for snow blowing

Anonymous-0 · Nov 2, 2008

I have a very steap driveway and use my JD 185 with a 36" snow blower on the front. My father in-law kowns of a Case 444 for sale and is trying to get me to buy it for snow blowing. I would like to know if the Case can hand the steap driveway and blow the snow as far as the JD?

Bob · Nov 2, 2008

The Case units were a HYDRAULIC drive, NOT a "hydrostatic", and are not the greatest for control on hills, as they didn't have "dynamic braking" like a true hydrostatic unit.

The Deere 185 is not a real heavy-duty unit.

I think you need to look at other units.

Traditional Farmer · Nov 3, 2008

Most all of the larger hydrostatic drives are
in fact hydraulic drives (pressurized fluid drives).

Traditional Farmer · Nov 3, 2008

The Case 444 is a much heavier built unit than the JD 185 which is really a lawn mower and thats about it.Especially with the large rear tires it should handle a blower nicely.As far as holding back on hills simply move the lever slightly to the reverse side or just make sure the brakes are in good shape

fixerupper · Nov 3, 2008

I've used and abused a 224 since I bought it used in 1977, and it's one tough creature. The 224 is the small wheeled version of a 444 as far as I can tell. The 'hydro' is tough as nails, but to slow yourself down on a hill you need to pull her down into reverse just a bit, or forward if you're coasting backward. I've done it many times through the years mowing ditches and haven't hurt it yet, though it does shake and verbally complain to you a bit.

The origional PTO clutch was a little weak, with no adjustment for wear, but Case did come out with an updated clutch that can be adjusted by turning a nut with a thin wrench. I'd be sure to look at the PTO clutch to see if it has a big nut on the front of the clutch. If it does have the nut it's been updated.

Through the years I've replaced the engine twice and updated the PTO clutch, but everything else hasn't even given a hint of getting tired. Jim

davpal · Nov 3, 2008

I agree with the other guys on here. If you have a driveway with a steep hill pass up on the Case. I can't believe they haven't been sued into oblivion over that design of lawn tractor, and I don't believe in lawsuits like that but that is one bad design. My dad has a 222 and those things take off on a hill like a rocket. I couldn't believe the first time I went down my ditch one day with it. Took off and went about 5o yards before I knew what happened. And I agree about that clutch being bad on the front. There had to be some dumb engineers that designed that thing. They are an extremely heavy lawn tractor that was a very bad design. Engine is mounted in backwards and has no shrouding so they run very hot. You burn your hand on the hood when its running. You couldn't give me one for free. A better choice would be an older cub cadet 1250 hydro. 10 times better tractor.

Anonymous-0 · Nov 3, 2008

The later Cases have a holding valve built in from the factory which eliminates the free wheeling problem.They also have the ez adjust pto clutch which solves that problem.I have a late model 448 which has these features from the factory and it is the best tractor I've ever had.In 1100 hours only tune ups and one hydraulic hose on the rear pto which runs my log splitter.Nice heavy machine which will last forever.

Anonymous-0 · Nov 3, 2008

Both the holding valve and ez adjust pto can be added to any of the old Cases.

Brian Jasper co. Ia · Nov 3, 2008

I have 2 Cub Cadets, a 1450, and a 125. I have 2 Cases, a 446 and a 220. The blower I have for my 1450 will throw snow twice as far as the Case Snocaster will. The 446 with it's 8-16 rear tires will push and pull twice as much as either Cub with ag type tires with no weights or chains. Each Cub easily weighs half again as much as either Case. As far as garden tractors go, Case weighs the least. They have better traction in the 400 series due to the large wheels. As some others have pointed out, they didn't have the holding valve standard untill Case in the mid 80's sold the L&G division to it's manager John Ingersoll. Ingersoll is still in business and maintains parts service for all of the Case/Colt models.
That said, the JD thrower will probably throw snow farther, but that lawn tractor will spin out before the 444 Case will. Whatever tractor you use, you will need around 1000 lbs of weight added to the rear and chains to get up your drive.

John Deere 185 vs. Case 444 for snow blowing

Anonymous-0

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Bob

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Traditional Farmer

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Traditional Farmer

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fixerupper

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Brian Jasper co. Ia

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