Case 400

Name: Case 400
Brand: Case

Row-crop tractor · 1955–1957 · Diesel

The Case 400 was a diesel row-crop tractor produced from 1955 to 1957, powered by a 251 cubic-inch 4-cylinder Case diesel engine that delivered roughly 33 drawbar and 49 PTO horsepower on Nebraska Test 565. It introduced Case's Eagle Hitch three-point implement system as an option and featured an independent live PTO, marking a step up in operator convenience and hydraulic capability from the preceding letter-series tractors. The 400 also offered an 8-speed transmission, giving operators finer control across a range of field and belt work.

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Photo: Acroterion. License: CC BY-SA 4.0.

PTO power: 49.4 hp
Weight: 5,800 lb (2,631 kg)
Displacement: 251 ci (4.1 L)

Overview
Type	Row-crop
Production	1955–1957
Factory	Racine, Wisconsin, USA

Engine
Make	J.I. Case
Fuel	Diesel
Cylinders	4
Displacement	251 ci (4.1 L)
Bore × stroke	4.00x5.00 in
Rated speed	1,500 rpm
Compression	15:1
Cooling	liquid-cooled
Aspiration	Naturally aspirated

Power
Drawbar power	33.5 hp (25 kW)
PTO power	49.4 hp (36.8 kW)
Nebraska test	Nebraska Test 565

Transmission
Transmission	sliding-gear — 8 forward, 2 reverse
Chassis	4x2 2WD
Steering	manual (power optional)
Brakes	mechanical dry disc

Hydraulics & hitch
Hydraulic capacity	2.25 gal (8.52 L)
Flow	12 gpm (45.4 L/min)
Rear PTO	independent
PTO speed	540 rpm

Dimensions & capacities
Weight	5,800 lb (2,631 kg)
Wheelbase	82 in (208 cm)
Fuel capacity	21 gal (79.5 L)
Front tires	6.00-16
Rear tires	13-30

History

Launched in 1955 as part of Case's new numbered-series lineup, the 400 succeeded the letter-designated D and L series tractors and reflected the industry-wide shift toward diesel power, live independent PTO, and three-point hydraulic hitch systems during the mid-1950s. It was offered in row-crop, standard-tread, and high-clearance configurations to serve a range of farming operations.

A key feature of the 400 was Case's Eagle Hitch, an early three-point-style hydraulic implement system that competed with Ford's and International Harvester's own hitch designs, giving Case customers depth and draft control comparable to rival brands. The diesel-powered 400, tested at Nebraska in October 1955, demonstrated respectable fuel efficiency for the horsepower class. The model was produced only briefly before Case introduced updated variants in its numbered-series lineup, but it remains notable as one of Case's first mainstream diesel tractors of the row-crop class.

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