The Farmall name first appeared on the bonnet of a 22hp International Harvester tricycle tractor in the mid-1920s, with the 183hp US market IH 1566 being the last in 1976 until Case IH resurrected the Farmall name for its Farmall A, C and U series in 2012 as it replaced the equivalent JX and JXU models. One name, many different tractors. Here we give a broad brush Farmall outline, homing in upon the popular Farmall C.

It should come as no surprise that tractor makers like to keep established brand names alive, but for those who are not in the ‘know’ a given name can adorn the bonnet of tractors that are different in size, power and intended use. Rather than try and decipher the Case IH Farmall offering in detail, the outline tables and separate panels give a broader idea of what is on offer. As you will see, there are several Farmall models to choose from so it pays to know what you are looking at when considering a used buy. Further, we are not going to cover the Farmall A series (see tables) as matters would become even more complicated.

A common find

We start with the Farmall C as these are the most popular in the UK and Ireland. Key sellers are the Farmall 85C, 95C, 105C and 115C (from 2016) and Farmall 90C, 100C, 110C and 120C (from 2021).

The aforementioned 2016 Farmall C range share the same four-cylinder Stage IIIB, FPT 3.4-litre, eight-valve engine family, with the horsepower corresponding to the tractor’s model number. A detail change to note if you are after a loader tractor was made in 2017. This saw the introduction of a Class 1.5 axle option for the 95C to 115C. Stronger than the standard Claas 1 axle, the 1.5 variant also has a 200mm increase in track width.

On a used buy, you can spot if this axle if fitted as it has eight as opposed to six wheel studs. A further option to look out for is the Active Drive2 24×24 ‘Hi Lo’ Power shuttle transmission (Dual Command if you are more familiar with a New Holland T5). 

A good view of the loader is a key plus of the Farmall C, with most loader equipped used buys having a shuttle transmission. Main dash display shows all you need to know. These are simple tractors.

 In 2021, Farmall C models moved to a larger 3.6-litre FPT engine with 16 Valves. This unit is compliant with Stage V emission standards and requires AdBlue. The model numbers also changed to reflect an average increase of 5hp per model, with maximum torque developed at a modest 1,300rpm, down from the 1,500rpm of the earlier 3.4 litre motor. The Active Drive2 transmission became the most popular transmission choice on these tractors but the 12×12 Powershuttle was a decent alternative for less money when new.

A post 2021 Farmall C with 24×24 Active Drive 2 transmission, electronic draft control, three rear remotes and loader joystick.
Entry level Farmall C spec will have just two rear remotes (above) and mechanical draft control is common on pre-2021 tractors too. Later Farmall C (below) has electronic draft with remote rear linkage raise lower and three remote valves.

To bring matters up to date, the 2025 Farmall C range for UK and ROI market is simplified to reflect the user buying preferences of the earlier models. In brief, key spec highlights are:

  • Active Drive2 24×24 Hi-Lo powershuttle transmission standard
  • Rear lift capacity 4,700kg
  • Cab suspension option
  • Hydraulic push back hitch standard from factory
  • New dashboard
  • ActiveClutch2 brake to clutch feature. Ideal for loader work  
  • 38” rear wheel and tyre options from factory
At their simplest, a 2012 to 2021 Farmall C will have a three-range four-speed splitter transmission, a couple of rear remotes and mechanical draft control. When going to view a used buy, dive down into the specifications. There is no ‘default’ spec, with dealers tending to build stock tractors to suit local preferences.
The work light switch and heater and ventilation controls mount on the B pillar.

Farmall U 

Moving to the Farmall U, these Austrian made tractors were launched in 2012 to replace the Case IH JXU range. The line-up includes the 73kW/99hp Farmall 95U,  79kW/107hp Farmall 105U and  84kW/114hp Farmall 115U. All three are powered by a 3.40-litre, four-cylinder FTP engine with turbocharger and intercooler and  are compliant with  Stage IIIB emission standards. 

Case IH pretty much carried over the same transmission as offered in the JXU for the Farmall U. The entry level choice would have a been a 12×12, with three-ranges of four speeds, with variants including a two-range powershift and a 12×12 Powershuttle. The latter was pretty much the default spec. A 20×20 creep speed transmission was also available.

These shouldn’t be confused with the Farmall U Pro which was launched in 2013 which has a two-range four-speed ZF TPT 11 transmission, with load-sensing and automatic functions. The Pro targeted a different end user to its simpler U siblings but they also carried an even higher price tag, hence these models are not a common UK find. 

Heavy duty 1.5 front axle was offered as an option on the Farmall 95C and 115C from 2017 and is the design to go for heavy loader work. It is easy to tell if the axle is fitted as it has eight wheel studs, the standard Claas 1 axle having six.

All Farmall U models have Bosch EHR Electronic Hitch Control with external controls as standard. Rear lift, with twin assistor rams, will be around 5,300kg but check two rams are fitted. As to the hydraulic pump, the standard 60l/min gear pump option is not ideal when powering a loader, with the optional 80l/min gear pump proving popular. The standard flanged rear axle takes 34inch wheels, the HD heavy duty option accommodating 38inch items with a larger 275mm bolt circle compatible with the larger rear wheels fitted to Maxxum and smaller Puma models. A sprung front axle with integrated brakes was an option but not over common.

What to look for

Regardless of model, the key checks are much the same as you would expect for any tractor. 

  • Does the engine smoke and is there evidence of coolant and oil leaks
  • Do the gears engage smoothly 
  • The powershuttle, where fitted, should modulate smoothly when disengaging and taking up drive
  • Engage drive to the front axle and do a few repeated lock to lock turns  
  • Look for leaks around the rear valves and inspect the linkages for wear
  • If a loader is fitted, check it over. Noticeably worn pivot pins suggest poor preparation for sale
  • Brakes wear out and are often overlooked. Hydraulic filters and oil need to be changed at 1,200hours
  • Corrosion under the cab and around the steps and mudguards will not cure itself
  • Check all lights work and check the tyres for ageing, the more so if the tractor will be used on the road
Factory rear wheel weights can be left in-situ when removing the wheels. Tyre brands fitted by the factory did vary around the time of the pandemic.
Do not overlook the carriage fitted to the loader. Euro hitch is common but other types may be fitted. Auto coupling is good option to look out for.

There are no specific problem areas but as these tractors age various components will obviously wear. It also follows that some used buys offered outside a dealer network may have had more than one previous owner with little in the way of any service history. Further, as tractors age it is not unusual to see the service attention they receive slip, just at a time when a bit of extra TLC could help improve the tractor’s longevity. 

If you are sourcing a used buy through a Case IH dealer it suggests the tractor on offer will be in good order, tired trade in models seldom being offered for retail sale. Tyres are a big expense, with dealers sometimes offering a used buy on worn rubber with the option to renew. Consider this when looking at used prices. A good number of these tractors will have sold with a loader from new. If a used buy is sold without a loader fitted, it may have a loader ready spec that will make fitting one easier. Check.

Loader ready tractors make it much easier to add a loader to the tractor, with quick release hydraulic couplings clearly matching the loader fitted. If a used by has had its loader removed and you want one fitted, ensure the quick release system, if left in place, is compatible.

Summary

Case IH main dealers will not shy away from selling older Farmall C models if they are in good order, with strong demand for sound examples helping to shore up prices – it may have a new look but the underpinnings are generally well proven. In an age when four-wheel drive has become the norm, there was also a good number of two-wheel drive models sold, especially as simple yard tractors. 

With thanks to Sharmans Agricultural, Startin Tractors and CNH’s Jack Richards.

James de Havilland

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