J.I. Case began producing Garden Tractor's in 1965 and it took
them until 1969 to come up with a major redesign, which is
what this PK represents. This was the first year and
the 'Only Year', Case made the Performance
King tractor for all models.
Also in 1969, Case stopped using starter generators in favor of
a true starter and an alternator, and also introduced the
Big Wheel 16" rear tires. The big wheel tires remained
on all the future 444's but in 1971 Case went back
to the tried and true starter generator until
1976, where they tried again at stators
once more - and stayed with them
until ending their affair
with Kohler engines
in the 1990's.
For the first two years of production the Case 444 model did
not have the Snap-Fast attachment system. You won't
find the Snap-Fast spring-loaded pins on the
front of the frame until the 1971 models
arrived. The 1969 and 1970 models
used the same attachment
system that the older
100 series used.
Distinguishing visual characteristics of the '69' 444 PK is that
the seat pan was painted the same color as the hood and
fenders and it will say PK on the back. The fenders
are what is called "elephant ears" style because
they flare out and have narrow tops.
The paint used was Desert Sunset and Power Red.
The transmission in these tractors use what is called a HyDrive
System, not belt driven Hydrostatic as most other tractors
use. This is a simple hydraulic pump motor that powers
a two-speed transaxle that has variable speed, fwd
and rev, controlled via the control arm on the
steering column.
