What’s the Difference Between Case 1845 and 1845C? Our Review

Case 1845 and 1845C are well-known skid steers from Case. Both skid steer loaders are compact machines with varied uses, especially in construction and landscaping applications. These uses include digging holes and trenches and loading materials into other equipment. Also, they are useful in moving around and assembling materials.

Skid steers are highly versatile equipment that can play important roles in various work applications. So, in this review, we want to examine the differences in capacities and capabilities between Case 1845 and 1845C. We will compare the two Case skid steer models on some metrics, including the engine and hydraulic system.

Engine

The engine is the most fundamental part of a skid steer machine. It provides power to carry out heavy-duty tasks like loading, excavation, and locomotion. The 1845C uses the Case 4-390 four-cylinder diesel engine for heavy construction equipment like loaders and dozers. The 1845 uses Case 159G (gasoline) or 188D (diesel) engine.

The 1845 skid steer's engine has a gross horsepower (hp) of 49 (36.5 kW) at 2200 revolutions per minute (rpm). On the contrary, the case 1845C has a higher gross power of 60 hp (45kW) at 2100 (rpm).

In addition, the 1845C has a net power of 56 hp (42 kW) at 2100 rpm. Case 1845's net power is 45 hp at 2200 rpm. The 1845C can generate more hp at a lower rpm than the 1845.

The machine with a more powerful engine configuration is the Case 1845C.

Another advantage the 1845C engine has is an ether cold start and a block heater, which will allow it to start without much trouble in cold weather. The 1845 has no dedicated method for cold starts, although you can add an optional kit.

Hydraulic System

The hydraulic system or hydraulics is a fluid-based mechanical process for transferring and converting energy for work. Since both Case 1845 and 1845C use hydraulic systems, their hydraulic capabilities are important for knowing how much work they can perform. The 1845 and 1845C have a solid hydraulic capacity for loader and attachment work.

The Case 1845 possesses a 2-speed hydrostatic transmission, while the 1845C uses a 3-speed hydrostatic transmission. The superior transmission speed of the 1845C allows for increased precision and flexibility in mobility. The 2-speed transmission of Case 1845 limits its range of maneuverability.

Further, Case 1845 has a capacity of 15.5 gallons per minute (gpm) and a main relief setting of 2250 pounds per square inch (psi), both at 2200 rpm. On the other hand, Case 1845C's hydraulics can handle 16 gpm at 2100 rpm and a main relief setting of 2300 psi. Also, the 1845C has a higher pump pressure than the 1845. The 1845C has a superior hydraulic system, allowing greater performance and efficiency.

Operating Weight

This refers to the total weight of a machine when used. It includes the operator, a full fuel tank, and other equipment. The operating weight of a skid steer loader is useful information for individuals or companies that need a lighter machine. A lighter skid steer loader will put less stress on the engine and is less likely to tip over. Skid steers with lower weights can also be more fuel efficient and maneuverable, other factors considered.

The operating weight of Case 1845 is 5825 pounds (lbs.) or 2642 kilograms (kg) and 5965 lbs. (2706 kg) for the gasoline and diesel models, respectively. On the other hand, Case 1845C's operating weight is 6085 lbs. (2760 kg).

The difference in operating weight here is negligible. The gasoline- and diesel-powered 1845's are only 260 and 120 pounds lighter than the 1845C. Although we do not think there is a meaningful difference here, operators needing a lighter machine should know that Case 1845 is lighter than the 1845C, regardless of the engine type.

Lifting Capacity

Lift capacity refers to a crane's maximum load on firm-level ground. While both skid steers have the same lifting capacity of 1700 lbs. (771 kg), the lifting capacity to maximum height differs. The lifting capacity to maximum height is the maximum weight the skid steer can lift when its lifting arms are completely extended to their maximum height.

The lifting capacity to maximum height of the Case 1845 (gasoline) is 2920 lbs. (1415 kg), and that of the diesel-powered model is 3120 lbs. (1415 kg). For the 1845C, the lifting capacity to maximum height is 3445 lbs. (1563 kg). Regarding lifting capacity, the 1845C can do more than the gasoline and diesel-powered Case 1845 skid steers.

Travel Speed

The travel speed going forward and backward for the 1845C is 7.5 miles per hour (mph) or 12 kilometers per hour (km/h). In contrast, Case 1845's travel speed is 6.2 mph (10 km/h). Regarding travel speed, there is a significant boost if you opt for Case 1845C over 1845.

Attachments

Case 1845 supports around 14 attachments, including dirt buckets, pallet forks, and stockyard buckets. Case 1845C supports significantly more attachments than Case 1845; more than double. The 1845C's attachments are also more varied; they include augers, angle brooms, grapples, tillers, snow blowers, and more. So, if you want a very versatile machine you can use for many different applications, the Case 1845C is a much better option for you.

Release Date and Discontinuation

Case manufactured the 1845 skid steer loader between 1975 and 1982 and the 1845C between 1985 and 2001. Case discontinued the 1845C in 2005 and the 1845C in 2013. Both skid steers are still available for purchase at the time of the release of this article on the used market.

Availability and Pricing

Since Case has discontinued the 1845 and 1845C skid steer loaders, you will not find them brand-new. You can, however, purchase the 1845 and 1845C secondhand. Check online or with your local dealers for availability. Although, it is more likely that the 1845C would be more attainable since it is the newer model and Case discontinued it more recently than the 1845.

We reckon that Case 1845 should be cheaper than the 1845C for pricing because it is older, less powerful, and less capable than the 1845C. The condition of the machine and the year of manufacture will vary prices.

A cursory glance on web platforms like Machinery Trader and Equipment Trader shows that there are far more listings for the 1845C than 1845. We suspect spare parts for Case 1845 will also be harder to come by than those for the 1845C.

Summary

Case 1845 and 1845C skid steer loaders have several notable differences. Case released the 1845C more recently than the 1845. The 1845C has a higher gross and net power than the 1845 models. The 1845C also benefits from a built-in method to handle cold starts, only available optionally on Case 1845.

Regarding the hydraulic system, the 1845C's 3-speed hydraulic system will provide more precision and maneuverability than the Case 1845's 2-speed transmission. Furthermore, the 1845C has a higher hydraulic capacity, with a higher pump pressure and main relief setting than Case 1845, resulting in better performance.

For lifting, both models share a maximum lift capacity of 1700 lbs., but the 1845C outperforms Case 1845 in lifting capacity to maximum height. Additionally, the 1845C also offers a higher travel speed, allowing you to move faster at 7.5 mph compared to the Case 1845's 6.2 mph max speed. However, the 1845 weighs a little less than the 1845C.

Attachments play a significant role in the versatility of skid steer loaders. The 1845C offers a wider and more impressive selection than the 1845. Despite their official discontinuation, you can still find the 1845 and 1845C skid steer loaders on the used market. Case 1845C will likely cost you more than Case 1845 due to its increased performance and later discontinuation. Availability will also favor the 1845C.

Conclusion

Overall, the Case 1845C stands out as the more advanced and capable option with its more powerful engine, superior hydraulic system, lifting capacity, and more. Yet, your needs and budget may lead you to the Case 1845. You might not need all the advancements available on the 1845C.

Nevertheless, because Case has discontinued both skid steer models, we would like to go further and suggest you purchase a more recently manufactured skid steer by Case. A newer model will have better manufacturer and community support. Spare parts will also be more readily available than with these older models. Efficiency, performance, and environmental friendliness will also be better on newer Case skid steers.