Compare/J.I. Case LA vs Sheppard Diesel SD-4

J.I. Case LA vs Sheppard Diesel SD-4

Verdict: J.I. Case LA vs Sheppard Diesel SD-4

The J.I. Case LA and the Sheppard Diesel SD-4 are both tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Both are rated at the same 51 hp. Sheppard Diesel SD-4 is the lighter machine (2,835 kg vs 3,408 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Sheppard Diesel SD-4 is the newer design (1954 vs 1940). Use the full side-by-side spec tables below to weigh the details against your own operation, and confirm with a dealer demo.

Tune the fit score

Tell us about your operation

Acreage600 acBudgetMain crop / use

Fit & specs

J.I. Case

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Sheppard Diesel

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Rated power

51 hp

Confidence

40%

Guide price

—

Overview

Manufacturer

J.I. CaseReference

Sheppard DieselReference

LP gas 4-speed 2WDAugust 21 - September 6, 1952Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 482 fileReference

In the final year of production, a torque converter was an option on the SD-4 transmission.Reference

Total built

35,493Reference

231Reference

Final drives

—

spur gearReference

Variants

farmReference

—

LAI

industrialReference

—

Engine

Fuel tank

109.8 LReference

—

Aux. fuel

7.6 LReference

—

Drawbar (claimed)

38.0 kWReference

—

Belt (claimed)

43.3 kWReference

—

Plows

5Reference

4Reference

Drawbar (tested)

38.6 kWReference

—

Belt (tested)

44.4 kWReference

—

Displacement

6.6 LReference

5.2 LReference

Bore/Stroke

117 x 152 mmReference

114 x 127 mmReference

Air cleaner

oil bathReference

—

Compression

7.58:1Reference

22:1Reference

Rated RPM

1150Reference

1650Reference

Firing order

1-3-2-4Reference

—

Starter volts

6Reference

—

Oil capacity

14.2 LReference

—

Coolant capacity

57.7 LReference

—

Sparkplug gap

0.762 mmReference

—

Intake valve clearance

0.457 mmReference

—

Exhaust valve clearance

0.457 mmReference

—

Belt power (max)

44.4 kWReference

—

Max power

38.6 kWReference

—

Engine

—

38.0 kWReference

Power

—

38.0 kWReference

Fuel system

—

indirect injectionReference

Starter type

—

electricReference

Transmission

Type

unsynchronized gearReference

gearReference

Gears

4 forward and 1 reverseReference

10 forward and 2 reverseReference

Clutch

mechanical wet discReference

dry discReference

PTO & Hydraulics

Rear PTO Type

550Reference

540Reference

Dimensions

Wheelbase

208 cmReference

232 cmReference

Weight

3408 kgReference

2835 kgReference

Front tire

7.50-18Reference

6.00-16Reference

Rear tire

15-30Reference

13x38Reference

Ag front

30x6 (steel)Reference

6.00-16Reference

Ag rear

48x12 (steel)Reference

13x38Reference

Length

355 cmReference

357 cmReference

Height (hood)

151 cmReference

—

Operating weight

3408 kgReference

—

Ballasted weight

4926 kgReference

—

Height

—

212 cmReference

Front tread

—

23/32 cmReference

Rear tread

—

142 to 213 cmReference

LA Serial Number Location

LA Serial Numbers

1940

4400001Reference

—

1941

4500001Reference

—

1942

4600001Reference

—

1943

4700001Reference

—

1944

4800001Reference

—

1945

4900001Reference

—

1946

5000001Reference

—

1947

5100001Reference

—

1948

5200001Reference

—

1949

5300001Reference

—

1950

5400001Reference

—

1951

5500001Reference

—

1952

5600001Reference

—

1953

5700001Reference

—

Capacities

Diameter

33 cmReference

25 cmReference

Width

194 cmReference

19 cmReference

RPM

814Reference

1150Reference

Speed

844.30 meters/minReference

917.45 meters/minReference

Test results

Belt fuel use (max)

25.4 l/hourReference

—

Max pull

3118 kgReference

—

Fit score weighs budget, operation size, crop match and data confidence against the details above. It’s guidance, not advice — always confirm with a dealer demo.