January/February 2024 Antique Power
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The January/February 2024 issue of Antique Power magazine is available in our gift shop and will be available in subscriber mailboxes and on newsstands soon. Featured on this issue’s cover is Randy Denney’s 1971 Case Model 870 Black Knight Demonstrator.
“Test-Flying” a Case
Randy Denney’s 1971 Case Model 870 Black Knight Demonstrator is also a working tractor on his Ontario farm.
text by Robert Gabrick • photos by Carrie Nickerson
Heralding the coming decade, in late 1969, the J.I. Case Co. introduced a new line of tractors with a new name—Agri-King—that replaced the company’s 30-series tractors. In advertising, the tractors were set against a background of two Boeing 727 jet aircraft, enticing farmers to “Step into the ‘70s with … 4 all-new jet age tractors.” Should a farmer want to check out the new line, including the 4-5-plow 770, the 6-plow 970, the 7-plow 1070, or our featured 5-plow 870, Case offered an opportunity to “test-fly the one that’s right for you.”
The new lineup offered Case-built diesel or gasoline fueled engines. The 770 featured a 267ci diesel or a 251ci gasoline 4-cylinder engine. The 870 offered a 4-cylinder 336ci diesel engine—the engine in our featured 870—or a 4-cylinder 301ci gasoline engine. The 970 used two 6-cylinder engines: a 401ci diesel, or a 377ci gasoline engine. A 451ci 6-cylinder diesel powered the 1070. Introduced earlier, the four-wheel-drive 1470 had a turbocharged 6-cylinder 504ci diesel. According to Case sales literature, the new offerings were “’70s’ new in every feature.”
Buyers could select an 8-speed transmission or a 12-speed Power Shift transmission that had four mechanical ranges and three power shift speeds in each range. Lester Larsen, the engineer in charge of the Nebraska Tractor Testing Laboratory for nearly 30 years, explained, “The powershift portion of the new transmission consisted of a compound planetary gear train and 4 hydraulically actuated wet disc clutches … an interlock prevented shifting between forward and reverse until the foot clutch was disengaged.”
Larsen also noted the new Agri-King models featured hydraulically actuated self-adjusting disc brakes as standard, with hydraulic power-assist as an option. The tractors offered a single-speed pto as well as an optional dual-speed 540-1,000rpm pto. “The double-ended output shaft of the dual speed unit could be removed, turned around and reinserted to automatically shift the pto into the correct speed to match the external spline.”
To read the full story, pick up a copy of the January/February 2024 issue of Antique Power magazine!
Other articles in this issue include:
Letter From the Editor
Letters to the Editor
Photos from the Attic
The Canada Connection: Roger, “Willco”
Much Better Than a Wooden Nickel!
Michigan native Mike Holder’s 1926 “Nickel Hole” John Deere
Model D is a true survivor.
text by Madison Nickel • photos by Al RogersThe “Light-Weight” 1913 Avery 40-80
Avery Co.’s tractors may have been too big for too long.
text by Chad Elmore • photos by Brad Bowling“Test-Flying” a Case
Randy Denney’s 1971 Case Model 870 Black Knight Demonstrator is also a working tractor on his Ontario farm.
text by Robert Gabrick • photos by Carrie NickersonThe Best of Show from Our Amazing 2023 Photo Contest
by the Antique Power Editorial TeamA War Baby’s War Baby!
Garrison Brown’s restoration of an International Harvester I-9 Special commemorates the struggles of World War II
text and photos by Garrison BrownTech Tips: Spurt of the Moment!
Classifieds
Show Guide
Of Grease & Chaff: “Ol’ Lan Zine”
Gallery: Photo by Dick Arie
If you can't find Antique Power on a newsstand near you, call 800-767-5828 or visit our Gift Shop to order current or back issues. To subscribe, call 888-760-8108 or click here.
