Market Segment:
Agricultural Tractors (Light to Medium Duty)
Competitors:
Competed with similar models from manufacturers like John Deere, Farmall (International Harvester), Ford, and Allis-Chalmers in the post-WWII era.
Versatility:
Designed for a range of agricultural tasks, including plowing, tilling, planting, and hauling.
Durability:
Built with robust construction typical of Case equipment, emphasizing longevity and reliability.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Ignition System, Clutch, Transmission, Rear Axle, Steering, Brakes, Hydraulics, Electrical System, Chassis, Sheet Metal, Mounting Hardware
Manual Type:
Factory Parts Manual
Engine Components:
Detailed breakdown of engine parts including pistons, rings, valves, camshaft, crankshaft, cylinder head, and block.
Fuel System Parts:
Carburetor components, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank, and filters.
Cooling System Components:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and fan assembly.
Ignition System Parts:
Distributor, coil, spark plugs, wires, and related components.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Gearbox components, clutch assembly, PTO (Power Take-Off) unit, differential, and final drive parts.
Hydraulic System Components:
Hydraulic pump, control valve, lift arms, cylinders, and associated hoses and fittings.
Steering And Braking Systems:
Steering gearbox, linkage, brake shoes, drums, and operating mechanisms.
Electrical System Components:
Generator, starter motor, battery mounting, wiring diagrams (basic), lighting components.
Chassis And Frame:
Frame components, drawbar, front axle, and wheel hubs.
Sheet Metal And Body:
Fenders, hood, grille, seat, and related body panels.
Part Identification:
Extensive use of exploded view diagrams for clear identification of all individual components.
Part Number Reference:
Provides original Case part numbers for ordering replacement parts.
Assembly Order:
Implied assembly order through the sequence of exploded views and component relationships.
Technical Depth:
Component-level detail suitable for parts identification, ordering, and basic understanding of assembly.
File Format:
Physical Document (Likely Stapled or Softbound)
Print Quality:
Typical for 1950s printing; may vary in sharpness and clarity of diagrams.
Binding Type:
Likely saddle-stitched or stapled binding.
Paper Type:
Standard paper stock common for the era, potentially prone to yellowing.
Engine Type:
Typically a 4-cylinder, overhead valve (OHV) gasoline or LP gas engine.
Displacement:
Commonly around 130-140 cubic inches (2.1-2.3 Liters). Specific displacement varies by exact VA sub-model and engine option.
Bore X Stroke:
Varies, but typical for the era might be around 3.125" x 4.25" (79.4mm x 108mm).
Horsepower Rating:
Estimated horsepower output in the range of 30-35 PTO horsepower (approximately 25-30 drawbar horsepower).
Torque Output:
Torque figures are less commonly published for this era, but designed for good pulling power at lower RPMs.
Fuel Type:
Gasoline or LP Gas (Liquid Propane)
Carburetor Type:
Typically Zenith or Marvel-Schebler single-barrel carburetor.
Fuel Delivery:
Mechanical fuel pump.
Transmission Type:
Manual Sliding Gear Transmission
Number Of Gears:
Typically 4 or 5 forward speeds plus one reverse gear.
Overdrive Option:
Some later models or configurations might have had options for PTO variations or specialized transmissions, but a distinct overdrive was less common.
Clutch Type:
Dry, single-plate clutch.
Rear Axle Type:
Conventional differential with enclosed planetary reduction gears in the final drives.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 70-75 inches (1778-1905 mm), depending on configuration.
Overall Length:
Around 115-120 inches (2921-3048 mm) without implements.
Shipping Weight:
Approximately 3,000-3,500 lbs (1360-1588 kg).
Operating Weight:
Slightly higher with fluids and basic operational setup.
Front Tire Size:
Typically 5.50-16 or 6.00-16.
Rear Tire Size:
Commonly 11.2-24 or 12.4-24.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 50-75 operating hours or annually, depending on usage and oil type.
Grease Points:
Daily or weekly greasing of all pivot points, U-joints, and steering components is crucial.
Air Filter Service:
Regular cleaning or replacement of the oil bath air cleaner element is critical for engine longevity.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 30 or SAE 10W-30 (depending on climate), API CD or equivalent (original spec might have been simpler).
Transmission And Hydraulic Fluid:
Typically a multi-purpose tractor fluid (MTPF) or SAE 90 gear oil for the transmission/rear axle. Hydraulic fluid capacity varies but requires specific tractor hydraulic oil.
Coolant Type:
Water with a rust inhibitor, or a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and water for freeze protection.
Carburetor Leaks:
Original carburetors can be prone to leakage due to age and worn seals.
Worn Bushings And Bearings:
Common wear items in steering, axle, and linkage components due to extensive use and lubrication neglect.
Hydraulic System Performance:
Hydraulic lift may become slow or weak due to worn pump seals, valves, or cylinder seals.
Electrical System Reliability:
Original wiring looms can be brittle and prone to failure; generator output may be marginal by modern standards.
Case Heritage:
J.I. Case Company, founded in 1842, was a pioneer in agricultural machinery, known for its durability and innovation.
Va Series Introduction:
The VA series was Case's primary offering in the utility tractor market following World War II, replacing earlier models and evolving through various configurations (VA, VAC, VAI, VAH, VAE, VAMD, VAE).
Key Variants:
VAC (with live PTO and hydraulics), VAI (Industrial variant), VAH (High crop), VAE (LP Gas).
Production Period:
Production of the VA series spanned from approximately 1940s into the mid-1950s.
Manufacturing Location:
Racine, Wisconsin, USA.
