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The Case 580K is a versatile and powerful loader-backhoe that occupies a significant position in the construction and agricultural machinery market. Developed as a successor to earlier models like the 580 Super E, the 580K features numerous upgrades that deliver improved strength, performance, and operator comfort. Case Construction Equipment, a company with a history spanning over 170 years, has consistently innovated in heavy machinery, and the 580K continues this legacy with robust design and efficient hydraulics.
Development and History
The 580 series has been a staple in loader-backhoe equipment, widely used for urban construction, farming, and utility tasks. The 580K model specifically uses a box-section, unitized main frame instead of the prior channel-section design, significantly boosting strength and durability while incorporating the fuel tank and hydraulic reservoir into the chassis frame itself. This design change leads to a remarkable 68% increase in hydraulic reservoir capacity, enhancing cooling and hydraulic system efficiency. The model designation K follows an alphabetical sequence used by Case for international models, skipping letters I and J in the industry tradition.
Technical Specifications and Features
The 580K weighs approximately 9,185 pounds and is powered by a Case four-cylinder diesel engine producing roughly 61 to 75 horsepower depending on configuration. It offers a maximum digging depth near 12.4 feet, with an extended reach capacity up to 19.4 feet, enabling it to handle a broad range of excavation and material handling jobs efficiently.
Key specifications include:
The 580K boasts nearly 20% better productivity in 5-foot trenching and up to 24% in 10-foot trenching compared to its predecessor, representing substantial efficiency gains particularly valuable in time-sensitive projects. It also features an improved transmission shift lever and disconnect location for operator convenience, and enhanced lighting packages for improved safety in low visibility conditions.
Hydraulic system improvements with larger reservoirs and cooler capacity further extend service intervals and reduce maintenance downtime. The introduction of sealed pins and bushings in critical pivot points reduces wear and maintenance needs. Its backhoe design includes protected hydraulic hoses and cylinders enhancing durability in harsh jobsite conditions.
Maintenance and Operation Insights
Routine maintenance of the 580K, including regular hydraulic fluid changes to maintain ISO cleanliness standards, plays a crucial role in sustaining performance. Operators benefit from clear sight gauges for hydraulics and brake reservoirs to monitor system health easily. Suggested fuel capacity around 25 gallons supports extended operation times between refills.
A notable operational story involves contractors who reported that upgrading to the 580K reduced project cycle times significantly on municipal trenching jobs due to its hydraulic power and operator comfort features. Maintenance technicians praised the simplified access to key components and improved modular design for faster repairs and replacements.
Applications and Industry Use
The Case 580K is commonly deployed for trenching, foundation digging, heavy lifting, load handling, landscaping, demolition, and even snow removal operations. Its design supports agricultural tasks such as material moving and grading with reliability. Its solid resale and rental demand reflect its proven track record.
Recommendations for Operators
The Case 580K loader-backhoe represents a blend of historic engineering evolution and modern enhancements, delivering strength, versatility, and operator-focused design improvements. Its robust powertrain, extended hydraulic capacities, and ergonomic controls enable it to handle an array of demanding jobs reliably. For contractors and farmers alike, the 580K remains a trusted workhorse that balances productivity improvements with cost-effective maintenance and durability, encapsulating decades of construction machinery expertise in one machine.
Development and History
The 580 series has been a staple in loader-backhoe equipment, widely used for urban construction, farming, and utility tasks. The 580K model specifically uses a box-section, unitized main frame instead of the prior channel-section design, significantly boosting strength and durability while incorporating the fuel tank and hydraulic reservoir into the chassis frame itself. This design change leads to a remarkable 68% increase in hydraulic reservoir capacity, enhancing cooling and hydraulic system efficiency. The model designation K follows an alphabetical sequence used by Case for international models, skipping letters I and J in the industry tradition.
Technical Specifications and Features
The 580K weighs approximately 9,185 pounds and is powered by a Case four-cylinder diesel engine producing roughly 61 to 75 horsepower depending on configuration. It offers a maximum digging depth near 12.4 feet, with an extended reach capacity up to 19.4 feet, enabling it to handle a broad range of excavation and material handling jobs efficiently.
Key specifications include:
- Operating weight: 9,185 lbs
- Engine: 4-cylinder diesel, around 61-75 HP
- Max digging depth: 12.4 ft (3.8 m)
- Loader lift capacity increase of around 7% over predecessors
- Hydraulic system improvements: 13% higher loader pump capacity, 10% more backhoe pump flow, and increased main relief pressure
- Loader bucket breakout force improvement around 3%
- Increased wheelbase to 84 inches, improving stability and weight distribution
- Advanced operator compartment with panoramic-view ROPS cab options for enhanced comfort and visibility
- Integrated fuel tank and hydraulic reservoir housed within chassis uprights for improved space utilization and cooling
- Optional mod hitch available with capacities ranging up to 4,200 pounds enabling added versatility for attachments
The 580K boasts nearly 20% better productivity in 5-foot trenching and up to 24% in 10-foot trenching compared to its predecessor, representing substantial efficiency gains particularly valuable in time-sensitive projects. It also features an improved transmission shift lever and disconnect location for operator convenience, and enhanced lighting packages for improved safety in low visibility conditions.
Hydraulic system improvements with larger reservoirs and cooler capacity further extend service intervals and reduce maintenance downtime. The introduction of sealed pins and bushings in critical pivot points reduces wear and maintenance needs. Its backhoe design includes protected hydraulic hoses and cylinders enhancing durability in harsh jobsite conditions.
Maintenance and Operation Insights
Routine maintenance of the 580K, including regular hydraulic fluid changes to maintain ISO cleanliness standards, plays a crucial role in sustaining performance. Operators benefit from clear sight gauges for hydraulics and brake reservoirs to monitor system health easily. Suggested fuel capacity around 25 gallons supports extended operation times between refills.
A notable operational story involves contractors who reported that upgrading to the 580K reduced project cycle times significantly on municipal trenching jobs due to its hydraulic power and operator comfort features. Maintenance technicians praised the simplified access to key components and improved modular design for faster repairs and replacements.
Applications and Industry Use
The Case 580K is commonly deployed for trenching, foundation digging, heavy lifting, load handling, landscaping, demolition, and even snow removal operations. Its design supports agricultural tasks such as material moving and grading with reliability. Its solid resale and rental demand reflect its proven track record.
Recommendations for Operators
- Regularly monitor hydraulic fluid condition and volume to prevent overheating and maintain system pressure
- Inspect seals and bushings for wear to prevent hydraulic leaks
- Use recommended fuel types and maintain scheduled engine tune-ups to optimize power output
- Apply correct tire sizes as per manufacturer specifications to maximize traction and stability
The Case 580K loader-backhoe represents a blend of historic engineering evolution and modern enhancements, delivering strength, versatility, and operator-focused design improvements. Its robust powertrain, extended hydraulic capacities, and ergonomic controls enable it to handle an array of demanding jobs reliably. For contractors and farmers alike, the 580K remains a trusted workhorse that balances productivity improvements with cost-effective maintenance and durability, encapsulating decades of construction machinery expertise in one machine.
