Case 310C Overview and Historical Background

[MikePhua]

The Case 310C crawler tractor emerged in the early 1960s as a compact, robust utility crawler — a descendant of earlier 310 variants. Specifically, the 310 appeared after Case’s acquisition of American Tractor Corporation in 1957, inheriting ATC’s Terratrac drivetrain and backhoe integration ideas, blending them into Case’s broader lineup . In 1960, the “C” model distinguished itself visually and mechanically from earlier versions through design tweaks like four undercarriage rollers versus the earlier models’ three .
Case, founded in 1842 by Jerome Case, built its reputation on threshing machines and steam engines before branching into tractors and construction machinery . By merging with ATC, Case strengthened its crawler and backhoe offerings, creating machines like the 310C that tapped into both agricultural and construction markets.

Mechanical Quirks to Watch Out For
Several practical challenges surface when dealing with a 310C:

• Sprocket-shaft thread wear: A typical symptom is a sprocket nut that won’t stay tight due to rounded or worn threads. Machinists often note that cutting new threads isn’t sufficient; you may need to build up metal or replace the shaft entirely .
  
• Match of sprocket and parts: Owners sometimes discover the sprocket is borrowed from a 350 model—its more “skeletonized” design may not fit perfectly, and extra spacers might have been added to compensate .
  
• Aftermarket parts limitations: Replacement nuts lacking proper dowel-pin holes may not secure the sprocket reliably. The original design used dowels to prevent loosening— a valuable feature lost in some aftermarket alternatives .
  

Practical Repair Advice and Parts Strategy
To address these issues effectively:

• Consult a machinist early — sometimes a replacement final-drive shaft is more cost-effective than repairing worn threads .
  
• When sewing up a worn sprocket shaft:
  • Clean the threads meticulously.
    
  • Use red Loctite.
    
  • Ensure any dowel pins are correctly fitted — they are essential to nut retention .
    
• Consider replacing the sprocket shaft:
  • OEM-standard aftermarket shafts are available (e.g. part number 11853, approximately 17 lbs) priced around US $294 .
    
  • Some listings (e.g. rural-mart) show even more competitive pricing, especially in bulk .
    

Supplemental Components and Technical Notes
Beyond the sprocket repair, dot your toolkit with:

• Operator, service, and parts manuals: These documents typically pay for themselves many times over in saved mechanical guesswork and repair accuracy .
  
• Hydraulic lever issues: Seized control spools can often be dislodged by cleaning debris under the cap of the hydraulic cylinder — a small but vital insight from real-world experience.
  
• Engine idling: While a tachometer might seem unnecessary, a budget-friendly gauge ($13 or so) can help calibrate idle speed and governor function precisely, helping avoid stalling or runaway rpm.
  

Mini Anecdote: A Restored 310C’s Comeback
Imagine an Ohio mechanic finding a dusty 310C in a farmer’s shed. The idler had been jerry-rigged with a tapped-on center bolt, leaving the sprocket wildly loose. A machinist assessed the worn-down threads and recommended ordering the correct final-drive shaft replacement. Using a proper parts manual, the owner sourced the correct nut with dowel holes, torqued everything down with threadlocker, and within hours the sprocket sat flush, ready for years more dependable use. That saved a dramatic rebuild, and the restored crawler—now ready to dig or trail clear—became the owner’s pride at local heritage tractor shows.

Key Specifications & Repair Checklist

• Model: Case 310C crawler (circa 1960)
  
• Notable specs:
  • Four lower track rollers
    
  • Terratrac-derived drivetrain from ATC lineage
    
  • Compatible engine types: early gas 148 ci; later diesels in successors
    

Repair Checklist:

• Inspect sprocket shafts for thread wear.
  
• Identify whether sprockets are 310C originals or 350 substitutions.
  
• Decide between repair (thread filler/dowel pins) or replacement (Part #11853).
  
• Procure operator, service, and parts manuals for accurate specs.
  
• Clean and service hydraulic spool valves and cylinder caps as needed.
  
• Use proper mounting hardware (nut + dowel pins + Loctite).
  

Wrap-Up Story and Broader Context
Once endangered by mismatched parts and worn drive components, the 310C lives on as a practical restoration project and historical relic. Its heritage weds pioneering post-1850 innovations from Case with Terratrac drivetrain ingenuity via ATC. Today, owning a 310C means balancing nostalgia with mechanical savvy: knowing when to restore, when to replace, and when to upgrade parts carefully keeps this machine rolling—perhaps into yet another half-century of service.
Every fix, from rethreading grisly final-drive shafts to cleaning hydraulic valves, deepens your understanding of how this compact crawler bridged farm and construction work across decades. With the right manual, correct hardware, and a bit of grease, your 310C can settle into purpose again—either clearing trails, making ponds, or earning admiring glances at a vintage equipment show.