Why Is the Option Attach Menu Missing on a Case CX60C

[MikePhua]

The Case CX60C and Its Compact Excavator Lineage
The Case CX60C is part of Case Construction Equipment’s C-Series compact excavator lineup, designed for urban utility work, landscaping, and precision trenching. With an operating weight of approximately 5.8 metric tons and powered by a 64.7 hp Yanmar engine, the CX60C offers zero tail swing, advanced load-sensing hydraulics, and a deluxe operator station with customizable controls.
Case, originally founded in 1842 as J.I. Case Threshing Machine Company, has evolved into a global manufacturer of construction and agricultural machinery. The CX60C was introduced to compete in the 5–6 ton class, a segment that has seen explosive growth in Europe and North America. By 2023, Case had sold thousands of CX60C units globally, with strong adoption in Austria, Germany, and the northeastern U.S.
Understanding the Option Attach Menu
The CX60C features an onboard digital interface that allows operators to configure hydraulic settings for various attachments. This includes flow rate, joystick mapping, and auxiliary circuit behavior. The “Option Attach” menu is designed to enable and manage these settings, particularly for tools like:

• Rotary grapples
  
• Hydraulic thumbs
  
• Augers
  
• Tilt buckets
  

When functioning correctly, the menu allows the operator to assign control functions to the left or right joystick, set priority flow, and toggle between single-acting and double-acting modes.
Why the Menu May Be Missing
If the “Option Attach” entry is absent from the interface, several factors could be responsible:

• Software Version: Older firmware may not support attachment configuration. Machines built before 2022 may require a software update from a dealer.
  
• Hardware Configuration: If the machine was not ordered with the auxiliary hydraulic package, the menu may be disabled by default.
  
• Dealer Lockout: Some settings are restricted to dealer-level access and require diagnostic tools to unlock.
  
• Regional Variants: European models may have different menu structures due to CE compliance and language localization.
  

In one case, an Austrian operator installed a rotary grapple but found the control menu missing. After contacting a Case dealer, it was discovered that the machine’s software had not been updated to support the grapple’s proportional control. A 15-minute reflash restored full menu access.
Steps to Enable the Option Attach Menu
To activate the missing menu, follow these steps:

1. Verify the machine’s serial number and build date.
   
2. Check the software version via the diagnostic screen.
   
3. Confirm that the auxiliary hydraulic circuit is physically installed.
   
4. Contact a Case dealer to request a software update or unlock code.
   
5. Use the dealer’s diagnostic tool (often CNH EST) to enable hidden menus.
   

If the machine lacks the auxiliary hydraulic package, retrofitting may be possible. This involves installing:

• Hydraulic lines and quick couplers
  
• Solenoid valves and wiring harnesses
  
• Joystick switches or proportional rollers
  
• Updated software to recognize the new hardware
  

Field Anecdote from a Utility Contractor
A contractor in Bavaria purchased a CX60C for fiber optic trenching and added a tiltrotator six months later. The attachment worked mechanically, but the control interface lacked the necessary configuration options. After a dealer visit and software update, the operator was able to assign tilt and rotate functions to the left joystick and adjust flow rates for precision work. Productivity improved by 20% due to reduced manual repositioning.
Preventive Advice for Future Attachment Integration
To avoid compatibility issues:

• Order machines with the full auxiliary hydraulic package if future attachments are planned.
  
• Request the latest software version at delivery.
  
• Keep a record of installed attachments and their hydraulic requirements.
  
• Use OEM-approved attachments or verify compatibility with Case technical support.
  

Some operators install aftermarket control kits, but these may bypass the onboard interface and limit integration. For example, a rotary grapple with its own toggle switch may function but won’t benefit from proportional control or flow adjustment via the machine’s screen.
Conclusion
The Case CX60C is a versatile compact excavator, but its full potential depends on proper configuration of hydraulic attachments. When the “Option Attach” menu is missing, the issue often lies in software versioning or hardware omissions. With dealer support and careful planning, operators can unlock advanced control features and tailor the machine to a wide range of tasks. In the age of smart hydraulics, the interface matters as much as the iron.