indiana Prairie Farmer Logo

Tractor Treasures: Case Model L is up and running after being silent for 40 years.

Tom J Bechman 1, Editor, Indiana Prairie Farmer

March 23, 2019

2 Min Read
orange Case tractor
LONG CASE LINE: This Case tractor owned by the Hedrick family, Battleground, Ind., came many years after the Case L that Ken Stonecipher’s grandpa farmed with near LaCrosse, Ind.

There is a very special Case Model L tractor in a barn near LaCrosse, Ind. It’s special because it once belonged to the current owner’s grandfather.

Ken Stonecipher’s grandpa Wilford bought the Case L new in 1937. Gray in color, it predated the J.I. Case orange paint scheme that was prominent in that tractor line for several decades.

What’s also special about this Case L is that it is in running order. That hasn’t always been the case, however. Nancy Stonecipher, Ken’s wife, explains that the tractor sat silent for 40 years. Recently, Ken undertook a restoration project. He partially overhauled the tractor so it is in running order. In fact, Nancy reports that the tractor runs like a new one now.

According to tractordata.com, J.I. Case made the tractor from 1929 through 1940. It was a large tractor for its day, capable of pulling three- to four-plow bottoms. The tractor listed at 32 drawbar hp, but testing put it at 40 hp at the drawbar, 45 hp through the PTO and 47 hp on the belt.

More than 31,000 Case Model L tractors were built at the factory in Racine, Wis. The tractor was relatively heavy for its day as well, with various models produced weighing from just over 5,300 pounds to just over 8,000 pounds. The last Case Model L tractors that rolled off the assembly line in 1940 listed at $1,500.

1937 Case Model L tractor

RUNS LIKE NEW: Ken Stonecipher partially overhauled his grandpa’s 1937 Case Model L tractor, and it runs well today.

If you would like your tractor featured here, email [email protected], or send a good photo and a description to: Indiana Prairie Farmer, P.O. Box 247, Franklin, IN 46131.

About the Author(s)

Tom J Bechman 1

Editor, Indiana Prairie Farmer

Subscribe to receive top agriculture news
Be informed daily with these free e-newsletters

You May Also Like