Colt Case Ingersoll Garden Tractors

New to me 1986 448 GT arrived today ! I will let you know over the next couple of days whether it really has an integrated holding valve or not. The s/n is 14097484. BTW the GT looks immaculate and comes with N44 deck and an L84 snow caster! More later

Yesterday I got to take a couple of pictures of my new GT, a 1986 448 together with an N44 deck, and a L84 snow caster. Also included a pic of my 1979 446 that I got last year from a neighbor.

Enjoy...!

Yes, I just checked and it does have an integrated holding valve!!!

That looks great Ray, good score! Thanks for the pics!

Ever had a problem identifying what a previous owner has done? or perhaps not done?

My new 1986 448 came with some documentation that I am beginning to think makes perfect sense for all of us. So what was it you may ask?

Well to start an engine service manual complete with the Case/Ingersoll model number and ID with notations through out about what was done/not done on this GT. When things were changed it was noted, such as wiring, upgrades/dates, etc.
Maintenance records!! not just the date but what was performed and BTW that was almost yearly! Things like hydraulic hose changes with part numbers etc. Point setting, plug changes, etc, etc.
Places where things were bought even.
That's not even the end of it .. belt changes, types etc, oil used and viscosity, even the date these things were carried out.

I know someone will say this is anal but you know what? it's also enlightening and a valuable source of information to the next owner.

Probably got over 50 pages of info on my new to me 1986 448 and it came also with additional belts, another oil filter, couple of air filters and other stuff (too much to enter here.)

Yeah there are a couple of things this original owner did that had my head scratching but at the end of the day I can see that he was a dedicated Case/Ingersoll fan too.

nice looking tractor Ray.
I consider knowing that something has been well maintained is a huge plus when dealing on these older machines. The less we know the more of a gamble we take.

I must say I have never seen an example of such methodical maintenance book keeping. Buying a device with that kind of recorded history removes a lot of question signs for sure.

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So I have started this GT from cold a couple of times over the last two days from cold (well summer temperatures). I can't even move the ignition key before the GT springs to life! never in my life have I owned a garden tractor (any make and I have had a few) where the engine starts so easily. It seems like it wants to run and is just waiting for someone to ask it too and even starts easier than my car!. I am falling in love with this new GT very quickly. My question now is how can I get me other GT so enthusiastic that they jump at the chance to start and be used too? I can see a couple of mods the original owner did, I might add very well. Non of this "casual wiring" I see all the time. Without a skilled eye you would never even notice the upgrades. The Onan B48M seems original at first glance but it is running so much better than my previous engines... I know this GT has been well maintained from new...is that really the answer? not sure that the engine would start even from new like it does now?

I feel for you Tim! There is nothing worse than feeling not in control of a vehicle, be it a bike, car, or tractor, etc. To be sitting on something that has a mind of it's own as it hurtles to the road is something else. Glad you scored a holding valve and I can tell you first hand you will not be disappointed too. Take the time to drain the hydraulics too and fill with a good synthetic oil such as Mobile One 5/50 or 15/50 oil.