Description

Case 446 1981 Parts Catalog – The Only One You Should Trust

I’ve been turning wrenches since before some of you were born, and I can tell you the difference between a real OEM parts catalog and a third-party reprint is the difference between a job done right and a comeback. This Case 446 1981 Parts Catalog is the factory-issued document – 42 pages, printed October 1981, part number C1279. It covers all Model 446 compact tractors before serial number 9729158. If you’re working on one of those, this is the parts bible. Everything else is a guess.

42 pages.

Engine Section: What the Alphabetical Index Reveals

Flip to the alphabetical index and you’ll find every major engine component listed with a page number. The Engine section covers Air Filter (page 5), Camshaft (page 9), Crankshaft (page 9), Carburetor, Pistons and Rods, Governor, Oil Pump, and Starter Motor. Each part has a factory illustration and part number. No aftermarket approximations. If you need the camshaft, turn to page 9. The grid reference will point you to the exact illustration and callout. That’s how you avoid ordering the wrong part and wasting a week.

3 Reasons Aftermarket Parts Catalogs Fail

First, aftermarket catalogs often merge multiple years into one diagram, so you get a part that sort of fits but not exactly. Second, they omit superseded part numbers – Case updated parts over the production run, and the 1981 OEM catalog shows the original numbers as well as any revisions noted in the supplement. Third, they never include the serial number break. This catalog clearly states “BEFORE S/N 9729158” right on the cover. If your tractor is after that, this catalog won’t cover it – and that’s honest. Aftermarket catalogs skip that detail and let you figure it out when the part doesn’t fit.

Identify the Correct Part Fast

The alphabetical index saves you time. Need the air filter? Page 5. Crankshaft? Page 9. The Electrical System section spans pages 19-51, covering battery, starter motor, tail lamp, and tilt box. You don’t have to guess which diagram matches your machine. The part numbers are printed next to each item. Write them down, order from a dealer, and you’re done. I’ve seen guys spend an hour cross-referencing online parts stores. With this catalog, you find it in under two minutes.

Why Serial Number Matters

Case updated the 446 during production. The 1981 parts catalog covers only machines built before serial number 9729158. After that, some components – like the PTO clutch or hydraulic valve – changed. Using the wrong catalog means ordering a camshaft that doesn’t fit or an oil pump with the wrong port orientation. Always check your tractor’s serial number before opening the catalog. The note on page 1 tells you exactly what this catalog covers. No ambiguity.

Electrical System and Hydraulics Coverage

The Basic Tractor section starts with axle and brakes, then moves into hydraulics (pages 39-45), PTO clutch (pages 27-35B), and transmission (page 47). The hydraulic section includes pump drive, hoses, lines, fittings, and the hydraulic valve. If you’re rebuilding the hydraulic motor on a 446, you need the OEM part numbers for seals and pistons. Aftermarket kits often use generic O-rings that fail. The factory catalog lists the exact dimensions and material. Don’t compromise.

Does this catalog include torque specs?

No. It’s a parts catalog. You need the service manual for torque values.

Can I use this catalog for a 446 with a later serial number?

The catalog covers tractors before S/N 9729158. If your machine is after that, you need a later revision. The note on page 1 says it replaces catalog B1278. Always verify your serial number before ordering parts. Using the wrong revision might give you incorrect part numbers for updated components. I’ve seen guys order camshafts that don’t fit because they ignored the serial number cutoff. Don’t be that guy.

This is the original document that Case service departments used. The pages are clean, the grid references are consistent, and the part numbers are the same ones that cross-reference with Case’s current inventory system. If you want to keep your 446 running without headaches, you need the factory parts catalog. Access the Factory Manual.

Related Manuals:

• CASE 446 Compact Tractor Parts Catalog
• Case CX160B 2007 Parts Catalog – OEM Undercarriage Hydraulics
• Case CX27B 2007 Parts Catalog – OEM Factory Specs for Mini Excavator

For background on why OEM documentation matters in the broader automotive industry, see Automotive Industry Overview. Also consider the Automotive Industry Overview for context on parts sourcing.