Case was the Last major tractor manufacturer to offer a diesel engine, following the leaders, (Caterpillar in 1931, Allis Chalmers, and International Harvester in 1934) by 20 years or more.
Case engineers planned to merley convert the model LA's 4-cylinder gasoline engine to a diesel burning unit. However, that engine could not withstand the greater compresion and heat characteristics of diesel ignition. In June of 1948 Case began field trials of it's new engine, installed in a modified LA tractor. After four years of testing, Case finally announced it would produce a diesel version of the model LA. A limited number of the so called "lad" were built before the tractor was redesignayed the "Model 500" in the spring of 1953.
The 500's engine was not only the first Case-built diesel, it was also the first 6-cylinder Case engine (377cui). It featured three seperate and detachable cylinder heads, 4x5 inch bore and stroke, and a modified indirect combustion or closed chamber design, the engine started directly on diesel fuel, a distinct advantage over the engines of a number of Case competitors.
The model 500 offered live PTO and hydraulics, and power steering. Rated at 65 belt horsepower, the 500 was one of the industry's most powerful tractors in 1953- a genuine five bottom plow diesel workhorse.
The 500 proved popular, after four years, production totaled 5985 units. In 1953, 335 units, 1954, 4300 units, 1955, 450 units, and in 1956, 900 units. Also produced was 265 industrail units, 140 in 1954 and 125 units in 1956. The 500 was also the last of the Flambeau Red tractors.
Well of coarse the history of the 500 wouldn't be complete with out a few pictures. Would love to here your comments about the 500. Please note this is not the same tractor as the 500B.
caseman-d
Case engineers planned to merley convert the model LA's 4-cylinder gasoline engine to a diesel burning unit. However, that engine could not withstand the greater compresion and heat characteristics of diesel ignition. In June of 1948 Case began field trials of it's new engine, installed in a modified LA tractor. After four years of testing, Case finally announced it would produce a diesel version of the model LA. A limited number of the so called "lad" were built before the tractor was redesignayed the "Model 500" in the spring of 1953.
The 500's engine was not only the first Case-built diesel, it was also the first 6-cylinder Case engine (377cui). It featured three seperate and detachable cylinder heads, 4x5 inch bore and stroke, and a modified indirect combustion or closed chamber design, the engine started directly on diesel fuel, a distinct advantage over the engines of a number of Case competitors.
The model 500 offered live PTO and hydraulics, and power steering. Rated at 65 belt horsepower, the 500 was one of the industry's most powerful tractors in 1953- a genuine five bottom plow diesel workhorse.
The 500 proved popular, after four years, production totaled 5985 units. In 1953, 335 units, 1954, 4300 units, 1955, 450 units, and in 1956, 900 units. Also produced was 265 industrail units, 140 in 1954 and 125 units in 1956. The 500 was also the last of the Flambeau Red tractors.
Well of coarse the history of the 500 wouldn't be complete with out a few pictures. Would love to here your comments about the 500. Please note this is not the same tractor as the 500B.
caseman-d
