Sourcing Sprockets for the Case 1088LT Excavator

[MikePhua]

The Case 1088LT and Its Underrated Legacy
The Case 1088LT hydraulic excavator was part of Case Construction’s late-1980s to early-1990s lineup, designed to compete in the 20-ton class. The “LT” designation refers to its long-track configuration, offering improved stability and traction for grading, trenching, and forestry work. Case, originally founded in 1842, had by then become a global player in construction equipment, with the 1088 series serving as a bridge between mechanical simplicity and hydraulic refinement.
Although the 1088LT was never produced in massive volumes like its smaller siblings, it earned a reputation for durability and ease of maintenance. Its undercarriage components, however, have become increasingly difficult to source, especially sprockets—critical parts that transfer torque from the final drive to the track chain.
Sprocket Specifications and Identification Challenges
The sprocket in question for the Case 1088LT features 23 teeth and 16 bolt holes. This configuration is not widely shared across other Case models, making interchangeability a challenge. Many aftermarket catalogs do not list the 1088LT explicitly, and parts diagrams from the era are often incomplete or misindexed.
Terminology:

• Sprocket: A toothed wheel that engages with the track chain to transmit motion
  
• Bolt circle: The diameter across the center of bolt holes used to mount the sprocket
  
• Tooth count: The number of teeth on the sprocket, affecting gear ratio and chain engagement
  
• Interchangeability: The ability to substitute parts from different models or brands without modification
  

Operators seeking replacements often face the dilemma of either custom machining or identifying compatible sprockets from other machines with similar dimensions. Unfortunately, the 23-tooth, 16-hole pattern is uncommon, and most Case excavators in the same weight class use different bolt circles or tooth counts.
Strategies for Finding Compatible Sprockets
To locate a viable sprocket, several approaches can be taken:

• Cross-reference with older Link-Belt or Sumitomo models that shared undercarriage components with Case during joint ventures
  
• Contact undercarriage specialists who offer reverse-engineering services based on measurements
  
• Search salvage yards for donor machines, focusing on early 1990s Case or Fiatallis hybrids
  
• Use digital calipers to measure bolt circle diameter, center bore, and tooth pitch for comparison
  

In one successful case, a contractor sourced a sprocket from a discontinued Link-Belt 240LX, which shared similar undercarriage geometry. Minor machining was required to align bolt holes, but the sprocket performed reliably for over 1,000 hours.
Custom Fabrication and Aftermarket Solutions
If no direct match is found, custom fabrication becomes the next option. Several machine shops specialize in building sprockets from hardened steel blanks, using CNC plasma cutting and induction hardening to replicate OEM specs.
Fabrication process:

• Provide detailed measurements: bolt circle, bore diameter, tooth count, offset
  
• Choose material: typically 4140 or 1045 hardened steel
  
• Specify surface treatment: induction hardening or carburizing
  
• Confirm mounting pattern and torque specs
  

Costs for custom sprockets range from $600 to $1,200 depending on complexity and quantity. While more expensive than off-the-shelf parts, this route ensures compatibility and long-term durability.
Preventative Maintenance and Sprocket Longevity
To extend the life of sprockets and avoid premature wear:

• Maintain proper track tension to reduce tooth stress
  
• Inspect sprocket teeth for cupping or hooking every 250 hours
  
• Replace track chains and sprockets as a matched set when possible
  
• Use high-quality lubricants in final drives to prevent torque spikes
  

In one fleet, switching to sealed and lubricated track chains reduced sprocket wear by 40% over two years. Operators also began logging undercarriage inspections in their maintenance software, improving replacement timing and reducing downtime.
Conclusion
Finding sprockets for the Case 1088LT excavator is a challenge rooted in limited production, unique specifications, and aging documentation. Yet with careful measurement, cross-model research, and access to fabrication resources, solutions are within reach. Whether through salvage, substitution, or custom machining, the 1088LT can remain a productive part of the fleet. In the world of legacy iron, every tooth counts—and sometimes, the rarest parts are the ones worth chasing.