Case 1840: Problems, Durability, Repairs

The Case 1840 is a compact and powerful loader that is versatile and suitable for various tasks. It has a reputation for being extremely durable. It's considered by many heavy machinery operators to be a workhorse, or even "bulletproof" because of how unlikely it is to develop faults or break down.

While using this loader, there is a possibility of some problems occurring. Generally, these problems may include hydraulic faults and engine issues, which are typical for skid loaders. However, carrying out routine maintenance on the equipment can prevent these problems from ever becoming an issue.

If you're planning on getting a Case 1840 for work or other reasons, we're here to let you know all about it. We'll give you a quick review, followed by a breakdown of its durability and the common problems you should be prepared to face. 

Review

The Case 1840 is a versatile machine. It's compact enough for general everyday use. Its small size makes it suitable for use in a variety of environments for many different tasks. Despite this, the 1840 is powerful enough for serious work.

Many 1840 operators will tell you that the Case excels in the smoothness of its operation. The hydraulics are smooth, and the controls are responsive. 

In the following review, we'll take a look at the Case 1840 in more detail. We'll take a look at the machine's durability. We'll also shed light on common problems with the loader, as well as how to repair them.

Durability

The Case 1840 has a strong reputation among heavy machinery operators as a reliable, durable loader. Many operators will tell you in detail about how their 1840 has thousands of hours of operation, and has never needed more than routine maintenance. This stands as a testament to the impressive durability of these machines. 

While durable, the early model Case 1840s have an issue with a thin frame. This caused repeated instances of the frame getting damaged when the loader was used to pick up heavy loads. However, the newer 1840s don't have this issue because the frame has been updated to a thicker version. 

Generally, the Case 1840 is considered to be an extremely durable loader. With proper routine maintenance, you should be able to operate it for many hours without running into any problems

Problems

Despite its reputation for durability, there are still some issues that you come across if you intend to get a Case 1840. None of these issues are particularly difficult to fix, and you're not likely to run into them. However, it's still important to be aware of problems the Case 1840 may develop.

Generally, with any sort of vehicle or heavy machinery, you'll be able to avoid the majority of these problems with regular maintenance and proper use.

1) Stubborn Parking Brake 

This isn't really a major problem, but a minor annoyance with the Case 1840. The parking brake sometimes takes a lot of effort to release. 

This is because of a pin brake system that inserts directly into the wheel chain gear. The pin won't disconnect if there's tension on it from the gear. 

There's no real solution to this, since it's a result of how the machine is designed. Many 1840 owners release the parking brake by rocking the vehicle back and forth. This relieves the tension on the pin allowing it to come free.

2) Drive Chain

One common issue is that the drive chain can get stretched from driving under load. Chain stretching is also common when you drive on hard surfaces often. When the drive chain stretches, you might notice a loss in power, making the vehicle move more sluggishly. This can also compromise your traction, hindering movement on bumps and slopes.  

3) Hydraulic Problems 

The equipment's arms are powered by hydraulics. These hydraulics generate the pressure needed to lift the boom and its load. However, a somewhat common issue is noticing a loss in power to the arms. This is an indication of a problem with the hydraulic system. 

In most cases, the problem originates from a leak in the main feed line. When the main feed line bursts or starts to leak, the hydraulics won't be able to keep pressure, and the 1840 won't be able to lift the arms. 

If the loss of power seems to be from only one side, then you might have a problem with one of the hydraulic cylinders. If the machine has been used extensively with poor maintenance, the hydraulic cylinder bushings might have worn out. It could also be that a cylinder rod has been damaged from overloading.

4) Engine Problems

There aren't any particular engine issues that afflict the 1840 specifically, but you still need to look out for engine issues that affect most skid loaders. This means you'll need to look out for blockages in the fuel system, as well as faulty glow plugs, and a loose throttle cable.

Repairs

You probably won't need to repair your Case 1840 often, but it's still a good idea to know the repairs you're most likely to need. While it's known as a durable loader, it can still develop problems without proper maintenance. Problems are also bound to develop if the machine is used with no regard for its limits. 

Most of the repairs that you'll need to be prepared for are general repairs that might be required for any typical skid loader. Get ready to dive into the nuts and bolts of your Case 1840 as we explore the most common repairs that may come in handy when your skid loader needs some attention.

1) Adjust the Drive Chain Tension

A stretched drive chain will affect your machine's performance. You'll need to inspect the drive chain. 

To access the drive chain, you'll need to unbolt the chain case cover on the side of the machine between the tires. The chain case is normally full of oil, so make sure to place a pan or other container beneath it to catch the oil. 

Once you have access to the chain, you'll be able to adjust its tension. If the chain is too loose, 

You might notice dirt or debris in the chain case. Clear it out if you can. Dirt in the chain case can cause the drive chain to wear down prematurely. 

Another important thing to look out for is damage to the chain. You can end up with further damage if you don't get a damaged chain replaced.

2) Inspect the Hydraulic System 

If you have a hydraulic system problem, you should check out your hydraulic fluid level first. If the fluid is too low, you should top it up.

The next thing to do is to remove the floor pan and check for a hydraulic fluid leak. If the main feed line has blown, it's going to leak out under the floor plan, and you'll be able to see hydraulic fluid pooling up. If the main feed line is blown, you'll need to replace it. Repairing it isn't advised, because the leak can reopen from the fluid pressure. 

Check the cylinder bushings to ensure that they aren't worn or cracked. If the bushing is bad, you might notice scratches or damage on the cylinder rod. You'll need to replace a bad bushing. This is a complicated task that requires some specialized tools, so you might need the assistance of a mechanic that understands heavy machinery.

If any of the cylinder rods are bent or dented, then the entire cylinder is bad. You'll need to have the damaged cylinder replaced. 

3) Check the Engine

If you're noticing performance problems with your loader's engine, you'll need to inspect the engine thoroughly. First, you should check to make sure that the fuel system isn't blocked. Check the fuel tank, fuel lines, and fuel filter for blockages and debris. 

After checking the fuel system, you should examine the glow plugs. If you find any worn or dirty glow plugs, you should replace all of them.

Check the throttle cable to see if it has become loose, worn, or stretched. The throttle cable is an important part of the engine that controls the engine's throttle valve. When the operator steps on the throttle, it pulls the throttle cable, which in turn opens up the throttle valve. Over time, the cable can end up worn or stretched, which can affect its performance and lead to issues like poor acceleration. If the throttle cable is damaged or stretched, you might need to replace it or adjust it. 

Verdict

If you're in the market for a powerful and reliable loader, the Case 1840 is for you. With its strong reputation for durability, the Case 1840 has proven to be a true workhorse in the heavy machinery industry. There are some common problems like hydraulic and engine issues, but they're easily avoided with regular maintenance and proper usage.

Rest assured that the Case 1840 is a reliable machine that can handle serious work. With a good daily maintenance routine, you'll find that you have very little downtime. So you should feel safe purchasing this versatile and reliable loader. As long as you take care of it, it will take care of you.