Case Construction Equipment has been building heavy machinery since 1842, making it one of the oldest and most established names in the industry. Now part of CNH Industrial alongside brands like New Holland and IVECO, Case continues to manufacture a full range of equipment trusted by contractors, municipalities, and rental fleets across North America. Whether you're looking for a compact track loader for residential work or a full-size excavator for commercial excavation, understanding the Case lineup helps you make smarter buying decisions.
This guide breaks down every major Case equipment category, explains the model naming conventions, and highlights what makes each machine class stand out in a competitive market.
Understanding Case Model Naming Conventions
Case uses relatively straightforward model designations across its equipment lines, though the system varies by machine type. Generally, higher numbers indicate larger machines with greater operating capacity or horsepower. Here's how to decode Case model names:
- Excavators: The CX series uses numbers that roughly correspond to metric ton class (CX145D = approximately 14.5 metric tons)
- Wheel Loaders: Numbers indicate approximate bucket capacity and size class (621G, 721G, 821G, etc.)
- Skid Steers/CTLs: Three-digit numbers where higher values mean larger frames and greater rated operating capacity
- Dozers: Letter designations (K, L, M, N) indicate size class from smallest to largest
The letter suffix typically indicates the generation or series. Current Case machines commonly feature D, E, F, or G suffixes depending on the product line and when it was last updated.
Case Excavator Models: The CX Series
Case excavators compete directly with machines from Caterpillar, Komatsu, John Deere, and Volvo. The CX series spans from compact mini excavators ideal for tight residential sites to large production machines for heavy earthmoving. If you're comparing across brands, our excavator size guide can help you determine which class fits your typical jobs.
Mini Excavators (CX17C through CX60C)
Case mini excavators range from the compact CX17C at roughly 1.7 metric tons up to the CX60C at approximately 6 metric tons. These machines are popular for landscaping, utility installation, residential foundation work, and any application requiring maneuverability in confined spaces.
Key models in this range include:
- CX17C: Ultra-compact with zero tail swing, ideal for work alongside buildings and fences
- CX26C: Popular rental-class machine balancing capability with transportability
- CX37C: Mid-range mini with conventional tail swing offering solid dig depth
- CX57C: Larger mini excavator suitable for heavier utility and site prep work
Case mini excavators typically feature Tier 4 Final diesel engines, and many models offer optional thumb attachments, multiple auxiliary hydraulic circuits, and cab or canopy configurations.
Mid-Size Excavators (CX145D through CX250D)
The mid-size CX excavators handle commercial site work, road construction, and moderate production digging. These machines typically weigh between 14 and 25 metric tons and deliver the balance of power and transportability that many contractors prefer.
- CX145D SR: Short-radius design for urban jobsites with space constraints
- CX160D: Versatile 16-ton class machine common in general contracting
- CX210D: Popular 21-ton excavator offering strong production capability
- CX250D: Larger mid-size option for heavier digging and loading applications
Large Excavators (CX300D through CX750D)
For quarry work, mass excavation, and large infrastructure projects, Case offers full-size excavators ranging from 30 to 75 metric tons. These machines compete with similar offerings from major manufacturers and feature heavy-duty undercarriages, powerful hydraulic systems, and reinforced structures for demanding applications.
The CX300D, CX350D, CX490D, and CX750D represent the upper end of the Case excavator lineup, delivering the bucket force and cycle times needed for high-production environments.
Looking to buy or sell a Case excavator? Browse current excavator listings on EquipMarket to see what's available in your area.
Case Wheel Loader Models
Case wheel loaders serve applications from small-scale material handling to heavy aggregate loading. The current G-Series lineup emphasizes fuel efficiency, operator comfort, and serviceability.
Compact Wheel Loaders (21G through 321G)
Compact Case wheel loaders work well for landscaping, snow removal, small-scale agriculture, and light construction. These machines offer quick maneuverability and the ability to work in spaces where larger loaders can't operate efficiently.
- 21G: Smallest in the lineup with approximately 0.5-yard bucket capacity
- 121G: Compact loader suitable for light material handling
- 221G: Mid-compact option balancing size and capability
- 321G: Largest compact loader approaching small full-size performance
Full-Size Wheel Loaders (521G through 1121G)
Case full-size wheel loaders handle everything from general construction loading to aggregate and quarry applications. These machines feature Z-bar or extended-reach loader linkages depending on the application.
- 521G: Entry-level full-size loader, commonly used in construction and municipal applications
- 621G: Popular mid-range loader with approximately 2.5-yard bucket capacity
- 721G: Versatile loader suitable for construction, waste handling, and agriculture
- 821G: Larger production loader for aggregate and heavy material handling
- 921G: High-capacity loader for quarry and heavy industrial use
- 1021G and 1121G: Largest Case loaders for maximum production requirements
Case wheel loaders typically feature FPT engines (also part of CNH Industrial), and many models offer automatic ride control, limited-slip differentials, and multiple transmission options. Check current wheel loader listings to compare available Case models.
Case Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders
Case offers both traditional skid steers and compact track loaders (CTLs) across multiple size classes. These machines share many components and operator interfaces, making it easy for crews to transition between wheeled and tracked versions.
Skid Steer Loaders (SR160B through SV340B)
Case skid steers use an "S" prefix with "R" indicating radial lift and "V" indicating vertical lift geometry. Radial lift machines excel at grading and ground-level work, while vertical lift models provide better reach at full height for truck loading and material placement.
- SR160B: Small-frame radial lift skid steer for light-duty applications
- SR175B: Mid-small radial lift option
- SV185B: Small-frame vertical lift for improved reach
- SR210B: Medium-frame radial lift with increased capacity
- SR240B: Larger radial lift for production grading
- SV280B: Large-frame vertical lift popular in construction
- SR270B: Large radial lift skid steer
- SV340B: Largest Case skid steer with maximum rated operating capacity
Rated operating capacities for Case skid steers typically range from approximately 1,600 pounds on smaller models to over 3,400 pounds on the SV340B. For a comparison of skid steer options across brands, see our Bobcat equipment models guide.
Compact Track Loaders (TR270B through TV450B)
Case CTLs provide better flotation and traction than wheeled skid steers, making them preferred for soft ground, slopes, and finished surfaces where tire marks are unacceptable.
- TR270B: Small-frame radial lift CTL
- TR310B: Medium radial lift track loader
- TR340B: Large radial lift CTL for grading applications
- TV370B: Large vertical lift CTL common in construction
- TV450B: Largest Case CTL with maximum lift height and capacity
Case CTLs feature suspended undercarriage systems on larger models to improve ride quality and reduce operator fatigue during transport and grading operations. Browse available skid steer and CTL listings to find Case compact loaders near you.
Case Dozer Models
Case crawler dozers range from compact machines suitable for landscaping and small site prep to mid-size production dozers for earthmoving contractors. The current lineup uses letter designations indicating size class.
Small Dozers (650M through 850M)
- 650M: Compact dozer ideal for residential grading and landscaping, typically around 8-9 tons
- 750M: Small-mid dozer balancing maneuverability with pushing power
- 850M: Popular small dozer for general construction and site development
Mid-Size Dozers (1150M through 2050M)
- 1150M: Versatile mid-size dozer common in road construction and site work
- 1650M: Larger production dozer for earthmoving contractors
- 2050M: Largest Case dozer offering maximum blade capacity and drawbar pull
Case dozers feature hydrostatic drive systems providing smooth, precise control for finish grading. Many models offer optional six-way blades, ripper attachments, and grade control system compatibility. View current dozer listings on EquipMarket.
Case Backhoe Loaders
Case essentially invented the backhoe loader in 1957, and the company remains a dominant player in this equipment category. The N-Series backhoes continue Case's legacy with models ranging from basic utility machines to fully loaded contractor-spec units.
Current N-Series Models
- 570N EP: Entry-level backhoe for light utility and municipal use
- 580N: Standard backhoe loader, the most common configuration
- 580 Super N: Enhanced version with additional features and power
- 580 Super N Wide Track: Improved stability version for slopes and soft ground
- 590 Super N: Largest Case backhoe with maximum dig depth and reach
Case backhoes typically offer dig depths ranging from approximately 14 feet on standard models to over 18 feet on extended-reach configurations. The machines feature either mechanical or pilot-operated loader controls and extendable dippersticks on Super N models.
Case Motor Graders
Case motor graders serve road maintenance, construction, and mining applications. The current lineup includes:
- 836C: Compact grader for municipal and light construction use
- 845B: Mid-size grader suitable for road construction
- 856C: Larger grader for production road building
- 865B: Heavy-duty grader for demanding applications
- 885B: Large production grader for major road projects
Case graders feature all-wheel-drive options, articulated frames, and moldboard widths ranging from approximately 12 to 14 feet depending on model.
Buying Used Case Equipment: What to Consider
Case equipment generally holds value well in the secondary market, though not quite at the premium levels commanded by Caterpillar or John Deere. This can make used Case machines an attractive option for contractors seeking quality equipment at competitive prices.
When evaluating used Case equipment, pay attention to:
- Service history: Case dealers maintain service records that can verify maintenance compliance
- Hour meter readings: Compare hours to the machine's age and typical duty cycles
- Undercarriage condition: On tracked machines, undercarriage wear significantly impacts value
- Hydraulic performance: Test all functions under load to identify potential issues
- Engine emissions tier: Tier 4 Final machines (2014+) have different maintenance requirements than earlier models
Not sure what your Case equipment is worth? Use our free equipment valuation tool to get a realistic market estimate based on current sales data.
Case Equipment Availability and Parts Support
Case maintains an extensive dealer network across North America, providing sales, service, and parts support. The brand's integration with CNH Industrial means parts availability is generally good, and many components are shared across Case and New Holland equipment lines.
For contractors in rural areas, Case dealer coverage may be slightly less dense than Caterpillar or John Deere, so it's worth confirming service support availability before purchasing. However, Case equipment uses many common components that independent shops can service without specialized dealer tools.
Find Your Next Case Machine on EquipMarket
Whether you're expanding your fleet with a Case CX excavator, upgrading to a newer skid steer, or selling equipment you no longer need, EquipMarket connects contractors and dealers across the United States. Browse our current heavy equipment listings to find Case machines in your area, or list your equipment for sale to reach qualified buyers looking for exactly what you have. Our marketplace makes buying and selling heavy equipment straightforward, helping you focus on running your business instead of chasing leads.
