Case IH: A History of Excellence

Case has over 175 years of history manufacturing construction and agricultural equipment, during which time they’ve been an industry leader in production and innovation. From being one of the largest producers of steam engines in the 19th century, to building the foundation of threshing machines and other harvesting equipment, and supplying the United States military with combat engineering equipment, Case has remained one of the largest builders of farm tractors and other equipment.

At Birkey’s Farm Store, we have a lot to say about Case IH and their agricultural equipment. With a strong history of manufacturing quality farm equipment year after year, there’s no real question why we carry such reliable and powerful tractors and harvesters. We’ve put together this short article with a bit of the Case IH backstory. Read on for more information or head into one of our locations throughout Illinois and Indiana.

Founding and Early Innovations

Jerome I. Case founded the J.I. Case Threshing Machine Company in 1842. Case read extensively in his youth about machinery that could cut wheat without workers using their hands, and he was inspired to pursue agriculture as a result. Case manufactured small hand-powered threshers in Wisconsin and soon moved to Racine to establish the Racine Threshing Machine Works. Case worked to grow his company, partnering with his top employees and other businesses as a means to improve their products.

Case had built his first portable steam engine by 1869 and used it to power wheat threshers. Draft animals were still needed to drag these machines, but it was the beginnings of the coming revolution in tractors. This innovation won him both international and local acclaim, and this thresher was the first Case would send to foreign markets. Not hanging all their success on a single innovative leap, Case was also busy creating the first self-propelled traction engine with a modified drive mechanism on one of the portable engines.

The 1871 Great Chicago Fire brought chaos and turmoil to the region but also the chance for change. The McCormick Harvesting Machine Company was a prominent name in the industry and the Chicago area before their factory was consumed in the Great Fire. Jerome Case offered to help the competing manufacturer build its equipment, but McCormick refused and built a new facility in Chicago.
Thus began the Harvester Wars that would define the farm equipment industry for the foreseeable future. In 1876, Case built the first self-propelled traction steam engine. Horses were still used to steer the mechanical beast, but the success of the engine propelled Case to become the top steam engine manufacturer in the world by 1886. Case also produced an early gasoline-powered engine, but the agricultural market wasn’t ready to switch to the new fuel quite yet.

The early period of Case history ended when its founder died in 1891.

20th Century

Case continued to be a farm machine manufacturing powerhouse through the beginning of the 20th century, producing more powerful engines as the world switched over to gasoline and diesel fuel. They had expanded into the South American and Russian markets, and in 1904 they introduced the first all-steel threshing machine. They also sold their first gasoline tractor that year and expanded their presence throughout international markets. Case also offered more types of products such as binders, graders, water tanks, plows, buggies, and several cars.

In 1902, several manufacturers came together and consolidated their businesses into a single entity. McCormick and others called the new group the International Harvester Company. In addition to developing interests in construction equipment and trucks, IH went to on to design extremely successful agricultural products.

The advent of war in Europe saw Case’s sales demands grow dramatically. With many farm workers joining the fight, the remaining farmers needed a way to stay productive. Farm machinery filled that need quite nicely. After the war, domestic markets saw a downturn as the market was flooded with more equipment and the Tractor War raged. In 1927, Case ceased producing its steam engines to focus completely on modern fuels.

World War II brought evolution to Case, and they began manufacturing directly for the war effort, including shells for the US and Allied forces, parts for airplanes, bombs, and even tank doors. In 1942, Case opened three new plants to support their manufacturing needs, and in the same year they produced their first self-propelled combine. Case continued to expand its market share and influence, as well as develop new and innovative agricultural equipment.

Mergers and Acquisitions

The rest of the 20th century was largely defined by a series of acquisitions and mergers. Case itself bought or acquired several manufacturers and groups and was in turn purchased and sold. Eventually, Case fell under the parent Tenneco Company of Texas. In 1984, Tenneco bought several assets from the International Harvester agriculture division and merged them with J.I. Case, forming first Case International and then Case IH. The new Case IH produced its first true tractor in 1985 with the Magnum.

A second major shift occurred in 1999 when the Case Corporation joined with New Holland N.V. to become CNH Global. This bolstered their development in the early 21st century, and the Case name returned to international prominence. CNH Global — under the Case IH name — continues to manufacture tractors, harvesters, and other agricultural equipment with advancements in manufacturing the next generation of farm equipment, biodiesel-friendly engines, and new autonomous tractor technology.

With a full line of farm equipment under trusted brands, Case IH can be found on farms across the world. Stop by Birkey’s Farm Store today for your chance to check out the latest and greatest agricultural equipment from Case IH and other great manufacturers. We have locations throughout Illinois and Indiana. Visit us and let our team of courteous professionals answer your questions and show you the true meaning of customer satisfaction.