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The Case Corporation and Its Backhoe Innovations
Case Construction Equipment, a division of CNH Industrial, has been a cornerstone of the backhoe loader market since the late 1950s. The company’s introduction of the factory-integrated backhoe loader in 1957 set a new standard for compact earthmoving machines. Over the decades, Case continued to refine its designs, with the 580 series becoming one of the most widely recognized and trusted backhoe platforms globally. By the early 2000s, Case had sold hundreds of thousands of backhoes, with the Extendahoe variant emerging as a popular option for contractors needing extra reach and digging depth.
What Is an Extendahoe and Why Does It Matter
An Extendahoe is a telescoping dipper stick added to the backhoe arm, allowing the operator to extend the reach of the digging bucket without repositioning the machine. This feature is especially valuable in trenching, utility work, and deep excavation tasks where mobility is limited or precision is critical.
Typical Extendahoe benefits include:
Is It Possible to Retrofit an Extendahoe Onto a Standard Backhoe
Retrofitting an Extendahoe onto a non-Extendahoe Case backhoe, such as a 580B, is technically possible but involves significant mechanical and hydraulic modifications. The original backhoe frame must be compatible with the telescoping dipper stick, and additional hydraulic plumbing must be installed to control the extension cylinder.
Key retrofit requirements include:
Terminology Notes
In Alabama, a local truck driver and equipment owner explored the idea of adding an Extendahoe to his 580B. While the concept was appealing, the practical challenges were daunting. Sourcing a compatible dipper stick from a salvage yard proved difficult, and the hydraulic plumbing required custom fabrication. Ultimately, the project was shelved in favor of purchasing a newer model with a factory-installed Extendahoe.
Elsewhere, a contractor in British Columbia successfully retrofitted an Extendahoe onto a Case 580C by salvaging parts from a wrecked 580D. The process took three weeks and involved machining custom bushings and rerouting hydraulic lines. The result was a functional machine with extended reach, though the operator noted slower cycle times due to limited hydraulic flow.
Manufacturer Perspective and Design Philosophy
Case designed the Extendahoe as an integrated feature, not an aftermarket add-on. The factory units include reinforced boom pivots, optimized hydraulic routing, and balanced weight distribution. Retrofitting compromises these design elements and may lead to premature wear or reduced performance.
Modern Case backhoes, such as the 580N series, offer factory Extendahoe options with joystick controls, proportional valves, and improved visibility. These machines are engineered to handle the stresses of extended digging without sacrificing stability or cycle speed.
Alternative Solutions and Recommendations
For operators seeking extended reach without a full retrofit, consider:
Conclusion
While retrofitting an Extendahoe onto a standard Case backhoe is possible, it demands careful planning, mechanical skill, and hydraulic expertise. The benefits of extended reach must be weighed against the costs, complexity, and potential performance trade-offs. For most operators, investing in a factory-equipped Extendahoe model offers a more reliable and efficient path forward. Still, the ingenuity and determination of those who attempt retrofits reflect the enduring spirit of the equipment community—where necessity often drives innovation.
Case Construction Equipment, a division of CNH Industrial, has been a cornerstone of the backhoe loader market since the late 1950s. The company’s introduction of the factory-integrated backhoe loader in 1957 set a new standard for compact earthmoving machines. Over the decades, Case continued to refine its designs, with the 580 series becoming one of the most widely recognized and trusted backhoe platforms globally. By the early 2000s, Case had sold hundreds of thousands of backhoes, with the Extendahoe variant emerging as a popular option for contractors needing extra reach and digging depth.
What Is an Extendahoe and Why Does It Matter
An Extendahoe is a telescoping dipper stick added to the backhoe arm, allowing the operator to extend the reach of the digging bucket without repositioning the machine. This feature is especially valuable in trenching, utility work, and deep excavation tasks where mobility is limited or precision is critical.
Typical Extendahoe benefits include:
- Increased digging depth (up to 2 additional feet)
- Reduced need for machine repositioning
- Improved productivity in confined spaces
- Enhanced reach for loading trucks or placing materials
Is It Possible to Retrofit an Extendahoe Onto a Standard Backhoe
Retrofitting an Extendahoe onto a non-Extendahoe Case backhoe, such as a 580B, is technically possible but involves significant mechanical and hydraulic modifications. The original backhoe frame must be compatible with the telescoping dipper stick, and additional hydraulic plumbing must be installed to control the extension cylinder.
Key retrofit requirements include:
- Replacement of the standard dipper stick with a telescoping assembly
- Installation of a hydraulic control valve and associated lines
- Modification of the operator controls to accommodate the new function
- Structural reinforcement to handle the added weight and stress
Terminology Notes
- Dipper Stick: The arm segment between the boom and the bucket, responsible for extending the reach of the backhoe.
- Hydraulic Control Valve: A device that regulates fluid flow to specific cylinders or motors, enabling precise movement.
- Flow Divider: A hydraulic component that splits flow between circuits, ensuring balanced operation.
In Alabama, a local truck driver and equipment owner explored the idea of adding an Extendahoe to his 580B. While the concept was appealing, the practical challenges were daunting. Sourcing a compatible dipper stick from a salvage yard proved difficult, and the hydraulic plumbing required custom fabrication. Ultimately, the project was shelved in favor of purchasing a newer model with a factory-installed Extendahoe.
Elsewhere, a contractor in British Columbia successfully retrofitted an Extendahoe onto a Case 580C by salvaging parts from a wrecked 580D. The process took three weeks and involved machining custom bushings and rerouting hydraulic lines. The result was a functional machine with extended reach, though the operator noted slower cycle times due to limited hydraulic flow.
Manufacturer Perspective and Design Philosophy
Case designed the Extendahoe as an integrated feature, not an aftermarket add-on. The factory units include reinforced boom pivots, optimized hydraulic routing, and balanced weight distribution. Retrofitting compromises these design elements and may lead to premature wear or reduced performance.
Modern Case backhoes, such as the 580N series, offer factory Extendahoe options with joystick controls, proportional valves, and improved visibility. These machines are engineered to handle the stresses of extended digging without sacrificing stability or cycle speed.
Alternative Solutions and Recommendations
For operators seeking extended reach without a full retrofit, consider:
- Using a longer bucket or custom linkage to gain modest reach
- Employing a compact excavator with a long-arm configuration
- Renting an Extendahoe-equipped machine for specific jobs
Conclusion
While retrofitting an Extendahoe onto a standard Case backhoe is possible, it demands careful planning, mechanical skill, and hydraulic expertise. The benefits of extended reach must be weighed against the costs, complexity, and potential performance trade-offs. For most operators, investing in a factory-equipped Extendahoe model offers a more reliable and efficient path forward. Still, the ingenuity and determination of those who attempt retrofits reflect the enduring spirit of the equipment community—where necessity often drives innovation.
