Case 646 Poor Condition, Whats it Worth

[oliver244]

Forgive me for a "What's it Worth" post.
I know location, condition, etc has a lot to do with price.
So I've had a Case Loader on my Wish List for a long time. They rarely pop up for sale around me, or within Texas for that matter.
This one just popped up. Their asking $1250
From the pictures I can see:

THE BAD
All 3 cylinder rods are rusted beyond use. New cylinders Est $800
Hydraulic hoses look sun rotten
Engine missing intake and carb, probable a basket case. $2000 or more
Tires are worn and at least one off its rim Est $700
Seat is shot $150

THE GOOD
Loader bucket is straight
overall tractor is straight doesn't look abused, just neglected.
Has a weight box.
Not overly rusted.

I've done a couple of Wheel horse full nut and bolt restoration's.
But this would be the biggest project I've thought about taking on.
I have a mid 60's White/Oliver 2-44 Industrial Loader backhoe that I did quite a bit on, and have at the family farm.
(hence my user name "Oliver 2-44")
So I know how useful even a small loader could be around the house and a few acres.
But its a beast to haul back and forth a 100 miles.

Let know what you think

[DavidBarkey]

Forgive me for a "What's it Worth" post.
I know location, condition, etc has a lot to do with price.
So I've had a Case Loader on my Wish List for a long time. They rarely pop up for sale around me, or within Texas for that matter.
This one just popped up. Their asking $1250
From the pictures I can see:

THE BAD
All 3 cylinder rods are rusted beyond use. New cylinders Est $800
Hydraulic hoses look sun rotten
Engine missing intake and carb, probable a basket case. $2000 or more
Tires are worn and at least one off its rim Est $700
Seat is shot $150

THE GOOD
Loader bucket is straight
overall tractor is straight doesn't look abused, just neglected.
Has a weight box.
Not overly rusted.

I've done a couple of Wheel horse full nut and bolt restoration's.
But this would be the biggest project I've thought about taking on.
I have a mid 60's White/Oliver 2-44 Industrial Loader backhoe that I did quite a bit on, and have at the family farm.
(hence my user name "Oliver 2-44")
So I know how useful even a small loader could be around the house and a few acres.
But its a beast to haul back and forth a 100 miles.

Let know what you think

case 646 left side.jpg
case 646 rear.jpg
case 646 engine.jpg
case 646 onan.jpg
case 646 side.jpg

Cylinders can be rebuilt . seal are availble and new rods can be made from chrome rod stack availble through bigger hydraulic shops
All hoses should be done on any used loader over 20 years old for reliability
The engine looks like it has been open to the elliments for a long time . Repower, there are many options
Tire s are wareable items and quite often need some


so you are looking about 6 grand done . So what do you get for 6 grand down there that will do what that will?
location and demand has a lot to do with price

[Spike188]

@oliver244 I have 2 646 tractors, one with backhoe and one without. I agree with Dave that you will have at least $6000 grand in it for a full blown showroom rebuild. I will have way more than that in the backhoe when finished. My 646 loader gets used weekly for moving stuff around the shop and yard. I would try to get the seller to back off on price but is it worth missing out on something that has been on your bucket list and hard to find?

[myerslawnandgarden]

In the Midwest the 646's come up fairly often in the $2500-5000 range depending on condition but ready to go to work. All depends if you are looking for a running tractor or a project to inject your love into over the course of a couple of years.

I can only comment on my own situation and it would be a hard pass on a project that would take so much work to be operational.

Might be worth a road trip as I know that there are few of these tractors in your part of the country.

Bob

[Toolslinger]

That's a long way from being any use. Obviously it could be brought back, but it would have to be a project you decide to do because you want to, not because you're going to see a financial return ever.

I stopped paying attention to hopw much I have in to my backhoe at this point. There would be no problem picking up a used full size machine in decent shape for what I've spent.

If you were looking at a backhoe unit, then I'd think it would be worth far more effort. As just a tiny loader, you can likely come up with something a lot closer to turn key in a more common brand, and spend less overall. It isn't going to say Case on the side, but only you can decide if that sticker is worth the investment.

[Harry]

It appears that others have answered your questions. I would agree that negotiating a lower purchase price considering the current condition could help you in making a decision. I own a few Case GT’s one being a 646 that I’ve done a lot if work to. Repowered with a Honda ohv 20 hp engine, rebuilt hydraulic cylinders, added a hydraulic oil filter to name a few. I just enjoy working on them. Keep us posted on your decision. Harry

[oliver244]

Thanks for the comments. I'm going to go see it and only have a reduced amount of cash on me so I won't be temped to bring it home at full price.
I'll keep you posted on what works out.

[Spike188]

At least yours is somewhat in tact, unlike the 646BH pictured here. It was stored at 3 different locations, the hoe attachment was about 8 miles from the place the motor and frame were picked up.

[MattA]

@Spike188 making any progress on the backhoe lately?

The original loader posted could be a good source of parts to fix another loader...

[Spike188]

@MattA I have not worked on it in over 2 years. The hoe is completely rebuilt. The motor was bored and is partially assembled. It needs the timing cover, heads, and oil pressure ball, spring, and cap. The rear axil housing has back hoe mounting plate bolts stripped. All new axil bushings and grade 8 bolts and a holding valve are here waiting to be installed.

I was hit by a bug over 3 years ago and am just recovering. In the meantime I have let things pile up to the point that it is frustrating looking at the mess here. Slow progress is being made cleaning up and making room to work again.