The J I Case Threshing Company started life in 1863, making agricultural steam engines. They soon gained a good reputation and began experimenting with the new generation of fossil fuel engines. By 1894, they had built their first prototype, but this engine failed to work properly. The company persevered, and by 1912, was making petroldriven tractors.
Design
Like other tractor manufacturers, Case had to cope with several design problems. Early tractors had many issues, including riveted chassis that flexed and bent, pulling the transmission gears out of alignment. Case solved the problem in 1915 by mounting the engine crossways. This gave the tractor a more rigid chassis. Case was fortunate because they had recently acquired the Pierce Motor Company, which had a suitable fourcylinder ohv engine ready to
