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The Case 1845C and Its Enduring Popularity
The Case 1845C skid steer loader, introduced in the early 1990s, quickly became one of the most iconic and widely used machines in the compact equipment sector. Manufactured by Case Construction Equipment—a division of CNH Industrial with roots tracing back to the 1842 founding of the J.I. Case Threshing Machine Company—the 1845C was built for durability, simplicity, and versatility. Powered by a 51-horsepower Cummins 4B diesel engine, it offered a rated operating capacity of 1,750 pounds and a hydraulic flow of 16.5 gallons per minute.
Over its production run, Case sold tens of thousands of 1845C units globally. Even decades later, it remains a favorite among contractors, farmers, and rental yards due to its mechanical reliability and ease of service. However, as the machine ages, sourcing parts—especially small components like wheel studs—can become a challenge.
Why Finding Parts Can Be Frustrating
Despite the 1845C’s popularity, many owners find themselves struggling to locate basic replacement parts. Wheel studs, for example, are simple threaded fasteners that secure the wheels to the hub. Yet due to part number changes, discontinued inventory, and inconsistent online listings, even these can be difficult to track down.
Several factors contribute to this issue:
Experienced operators and mechanics often rely on a mix of sources to find parts for legacy machines like the 1845C. These include:
To streamline the search process and avoid costly mistakes:
One operator in Colorado shared a story about searching for wheel studs late one evening. After hours of browsing generic listings, he realized none matched the thread pitch of his 1845C. The next morning, he visited a local Case dealer who not only had the studs in stock but offered installation advice. The price was nearly identical to online options, and the part fit perfectly.
Another mechanic in Minnesota noted that while online suppliers offered cheaper options, the quality varied. He once received a set of aftermarket studs that stripped during installation due to poor threading. Since then, he’s relied on OEM parts for critical fasteners and uses aftermarket only for non-load-bearing components.
Preventive Maintenance and Parts Planning
To reduce downtime and avoid emergency part hunts:
Owning and maintaining a Case 1845C is a rewarding experience, especially for those who appreciate mechanical simplicity and robust design. While sourcing parts like wheel studs can be frustrating, a combination of dealer support, online catalogs, and community knowledge makes it manageable. With a proactive approach and a bit of resourcefulness, operators can keep their machines running smoothly for years to come—proving that even decades-old equipment still has plenty of life left in it.
The Case 1845C skid steer loader, introduced in the early 1990s, quickly became one of the most iconic and widely used machines in the compact equipment sector. Manufactured by Case Construction Equipment—a division of CNH Industrial with roots tracing back to the 1842 founding of the J.I. Case Threshing Machine Company—the 1845C was built for durability, simplicity, and versatility. Powered by a 51-horsepower Cummins 4B diesel engine, it offered a rated operating capacity of 1,750 pounds and a hydraulic flow of 16.5 gallons per minute.
Over its production run, Case sold tens of thousands of 1845C units globally. Even decades later, it remains a favorite among contractors, farmers, and rental yards due to its mechanical reliability and ease of service. However, as the machine ages, sourcing parts—especially small components like wheel studs—can become a challenge.
Why Finding Parts Can Be Frustrating
Despite the 1845C’s popularity, many owners find themselves struggling to locate basic replacement parts. Wheel studs, for example, are simple threaded fasteners that secure the wheels to the hub. Yet due to part number changes, discontinued inventory, and inconsistent online listings, even these can be difficult to track down.
Several factors contribute to this issue:
- Case has undergone multiple corporate transitions, affecting parts cataloging
- Many aftermarket suppliers use different naming conventions or dimensions
- Online marketplaces often lack clear compatibility data
- Local dealers may not stock older parts unless specifically requested
- Wheel Stud: A threaded rod that protrudes from the wheel hub, allowing the wheel to be secured with lug nuts.
- Hub Assembly: The central part of the wheel system that houses bearings and studs.
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Parts made by the original manufacturer to exact specifications.
- Aftermarket: Parts made by third-party companies, often at lower cost but with varying quality.
Experienced operators and mechanics often rely on a mix of sources to find parts for legacy machines like the 1845C. These include:
- Local Case Dealerships: Many still carry parts for older models or can order them directly. Prices are often competitive with online options, and staff can verify compatibility.
- Dedicated Parts Websites: Platforms like Messick’s and AVSpare offer searchable catalogs with diagrams and part numbers. These are useful for identifying exact components before purchasing.
- Salvage Yards and Equipment Recyclers: For hard-to-find parts, especially structural or discontinued items, salvage yards can be invaluable. Many specialize in Case equipment and offer refurbished components.
- Machine-Specific Forums and Groups: Online communities often share part numbers, supplier recommendations, and repair tips. While not always definitive, they can point users in the right direction.
To streamline the search process and avoid costly mistakes:
- Always verify the part number using the official Case parts manual or online catalog
- Measure the existing part (e.g., stud length, thread pitch) to confirm compatibility
- Cross-reference with aftermarket listings to ensure fitment
- Keep a log of replaced parts and suppliers for future reference
- Consider buying in bulk for consumables like studs, filters, and seals
One operator in Colorado shared a story about searching for wheel studs late one evening. After hours of browsing generic listings, he realized none matched the thread pitch of his 1845C. The next morning, he visited a local Case dealer who not only had the studs in stock but offered installation advice. The price was nearly identical to online options, and the part fit perfectly.
Another mechanic in Minnesota noted that while online suppliers offered cheaper options, the quality varied. He once received a set of aftermarket studs that stripped during installation due to poor threading. Since then, he’s relied on OEM parts for critical fasteners and uses aftermarket only for non-load-bearing components.
Preventive Maintenance and Parts Planning
To reduce downtime and avoid emergency part hunts:
- Maintain a parts inventory for high-wear items like filters, belts, and studs
- Schedule regular inspections to identify wear before failure
- Use anti-seize compound on wheel studs to prevent galling and ease future removal
- Replace all studs on a hub if one fails, ensuring even torque distribution
Owning and maintaining a Case 1845C is a rewarding experience, especially for those who appreciate mechanical simplicity and robust design. While sourcing parts like wheel studs can be frustrating, a combination of dealer support, online catalogs, and community knowledge makes it manageable. With a proactive approach and a bit of resourcefulness, operators can keep their machines running smoothly for years to come—proving that even decades-old equipment still has plenty of life left in it.
