DIY Restore and Reinvent

[MikePhua]

A machine that’s mechanically serviceable but cosmetically and structurally compromised still holds immense value. A creative mechanic acquired one such 580E, determined to refurbish it cost-effectively using ingenuity over expense. He began with the door, discovering the striker mechanism missing and only half the latch intact. Rather than sourcing new parts, he forged a new striker and latch from scrap steel and an old socket with a 3/8-inch extension—simple yet effective.
Terminology

• Striker: The fixed catch part of a door latch mechanism.
  
• Latch assembly: The movable component that secures the door closed.
  

Floor and Battery Tray Reinvention
The original floor pan had suffered significant corrosion. Lacking a proper 3-inch hole saw, the mechanic used a torch to cut through rusted sections. He fabricated an improvised pan using sheet steel. He replaced rotted throttle shaft bushings and fabricated a new support from small angle iron. The battery tray, previously missing entirely, was reconstructed so the battery would no longer hang by its cables—a hazard resolved with structural ingenuity.
Added suggestion: When welding patch steel, clean edges and use a rust-inhibiting primer to extend life. Consider adding perforated diamond-plate overlay for better grip and durability.

Seat Hack and Light Repair
A temporary seat pad was cobbled together, and upon encountering sharp braking while reversing, nearly launched the operator through the rear window. Lesson learned: even short-term fixes benefit from proper cushioning and restraint. The rear lighting—brake and hazard—had been completely destroyed. Using scrap sheet metal, a stronger replacement housing was fabricated. The mechanic repurposed an old hazard light from a truck and a budget brake light (~US $8), wiring them with basic connectors to restore full functionality.
Parameter tip: Invest in LEDs for lower power draw and longer life—worth the extra US $10–15.

Workspace Tale
Despite lacking a dedicated shop, the mechanic worked in his driveway with only his old K30 service truck serving as a makeshift welding bench. He tightened the tension rods, fixed the floor permanently, and tackled fabrication and painting on weekends. Amid labor constraints, progress kept coming—and the old truck table proved surprisingly versatile.

Fender and Window Refits
While patching the fender and finishing the floor, attention turned to the rear windows and tracks—both missing. Replacement plastic bypass window tracks, sourced via online retailers, were the closest match. By repurposing parts and materials, without needing exact OEM panels, the windows were restored.

Bushing and Cylinder Refurbishment
In similar cases discussed in other repair communities, slop in the swing tower’s boom bushing or wear in the bucket linkage pins is a common issue. Advice from experienced technicians includes:

• Inspect bushings in swing cylinders and linkage joints—wear leads to escalation of costs rapidly.
  
• Refurbish swing tower bushings: Extend boom and dipper fully, lower bucket to the ground, drop swing rams, and use jack-blocks under the tower to provide clearance. Slide the tractor body back just enough to access and replace bushings without fully separating the machine .
  

This method keeps hydraulic hoses intact and avoids large disassembly.

Shuttle (Reverser) Insights
Problems with the 580E’s hydraulic shuttle (directional reverser) are not uncommon. The shuttle uses hydraulic clutch and brake packs to shift between forward and reverse. Crucially:

• Hydraulic fluid is shared between main hydraulics and shuttle.
  
• Loader and hoe circuits usually continue functioning even if the shuttle fails .
  
• Splitting the tractor to access the shuttle isn’t necessary—many reports indicate the reverser can be dropped out from underneath in under 1.5 hours .
  
• After replacement, if the shuttle won’t engage forward but reverse works, contamination (e.g. metal debris) may be to blame. Experts recommend pressure gauge testing and thoroughly flushing the cooler, lines, and relief valves before activating a rebuilt shuttle; otherwise, contamination can destroy it quickly .
  

Repair Strategy Summary (as list)

• Fabricate missing striker/latch from scrap metal.
  
• Cut rusted floor pans using torch when tools are missing.
  
• Replace throttle shaft bushings; use angle iron for support.
  
• Rebuild battery tray to secure battery properly.
  
• Upgrade seating cushions and use air springs for comfort.
  
• Fabricate stronger light housings; repurpose affordable lighting parts.
  
• Install window tracks from plastic bypass replacements.
  
• Inspect and service boom bushing, swing cylinder bushings, linkage pins.
  
• Rebuild hydraulic shuttle only after system clean-out and pressure testing.
  
• Use vehicle frame (e.g. K30) as welding table to turn limitations into advantages.
  

Machine Context and Anecdotes
The Case 580E, following the “D” models, introduced several innovations: it was among the first in the series to use Cummins power and was available in a 4×4 configuration. The swing controls—foot-pedal “Case Control” or optional “Deere” wobble-sticks—divided operator preference. Vintage operators often favor the 4-stick plus foot control for precise handling. The 580 series is prized for loader dependability, parts availability, and compactness—making them nimble in tight work sites. Despite being a backhoe, their loader function often outshines comparably-sized excavators .
Small story: A long-time operator recalls: “We call ours the yellow wrench—gets used from garden tilling to mechanical rigs. We couldn’t live without it.” Another recalled a pin-spanner failure that led to a dramatic fall—but the hydraulic reseal worked fine after recovering .

Conclusion
Through creativity, resourcefulness, and basic fabrication, a mechanically sound but rundown 580E can be transformed into a reliable, structurally solid backhoe. From seating comfort to light housings, flooring to fuel systems, and hydraulic components to shuttle reverser—each repair can be done without expensive parts, and often in modest workspace conditions. Couple these repairs with proper bushings, cleanliness of hydraulic oil, and pressure diagnostics, and the machine can gain many more years of dependable service—plus the satisfaction of a project completed with skill rather than overwhelming cost.