Is the Case 1088 LT Excavator Still Supported

[MikePhua]

The Case 1088 LT and Its Place in Excavator History
The Case 1088 LT was part of a generation of hydraulic excavators produced during the late 1980s and early 1990s by Case Construction Equipment, a division of CNH Industrial. Known for its long undercarriage (LT) configuration, the 1088 LT offered enhanced stability and reach, making it suitable for ditching, slope work, and utility trenching. With an operating weight around 20 metric tons and powered by a Cummins or Case-branded diesel engine, the machine was built for mid-scale excavation tasks.
Case, originally founded in 1842, had a long-standing reputation for building durable, operator-friendly machines. The 1088 series was part of its push into fully hydraulic excavators, competing with models from Caterpillar, Hitachi, and Komatsu. While the 1088 LT was never produced in massive volumes, it earned a loyal following among contractors who valued its mechanical simplicity and robust steel construction.
Terminology Notes

• Main Hydraulic Pump: The central pump that supplies pressurized fluid to the boom, arm, bucket, and travel motors.
  
• Pilot Circuit: A low-pressure hydraulic system that controls the main valve spools via joystick input.
  
• Pump Group: The assembly of hydraulic pumps, drive couplings, and mounting brackets.
  
• Parts Support: The availability of OEM or aftermarket components for service and repair.
  

Challenges in Locating Pump Assemblies
One of the most persistent issues with aging Case 1088 LT units is the difficulty in sourcing hydraulic pump assemblies. Unlike newer models with standardized components and digital parts catalogs, the 1088 LT often lacks clear documentation, especially for machines built in Europe or under license.
Common obstacles include:

• Missing or unreadable serial plates
  
• Regional differences in pump configurations
  
• Obsolete part numbers and discontinued suppliers
  
• Lack of digital footprint in modern dealer systems
  

In one case, a technician in Alberta spent weeks trying to identify the correct pump group for a 1088 LT imported from Italy. The machine had a Rexroth pump variant not listed in North American catalogs, and the mounting flange differed from standard Case configurations.
Strategies for Identifying and Sourcing Pumps
To locate the correct pump for a Case 1088 LT:

• Begin with the full machine serial number and engine arrangement
  
• Inspect the pump housing for casting numbers or manufacturer tags
  
• Compare flange dimensions, shaft spline count, and port orientation
  
• Contact legacy Case dealers or hydraulic rebuild shops with experience in 1980s-era equipment
  
• Search European parts networks, especially in Italy, France, and Germany where the 1088 LT was more common
  

Some owners have successfully retrofitted pumps from similar-sized excavators, such as the Case 9010B or Fiat-Hitachi FH150, using custom brackets and hose adapters. However, this requires careful matching of flow rates and pressure ratings to avoid damaging valves or cylinders.
Pump Specifications and Compatibility Considerations
Typical pump specs for the 1088 LT include:

• Flow rate: 180–220 liters per minute
  
• Operating pressure: 300–350 bar
  
• Drive type: direct-coupled via splined shaft
  
• Control: load-sensing or pressure-compensated depending on variant
  

Always verify:

• Pilot pressure compatibility
  
• Case drain routing and filtration
  
• Cooling circuit integration
  
• Mounting bolt pattern and shaft alignment
  

A contractor in Wisconsin retrofitted a Kawasaki pump into his 1088 LT after sourcing it from a salvage yard. With minor machining and hose rerouting, the machine returned to service and operated reliably for another 2,000 hours.
Recommendations for Technicians and Owners

• Document all hydraulic component numbers during teardown
  
• Photograph pump assemblies and fittings for reference
  
• Use hydraulic flow meters to verify pump output before installation
  
• Keep spare seals, couplings, and pilot filters in stock
  
• Build relationships with rebuild shops that specialize in legacy equipment
  

Conclusion
The Case 1088 LT remains a capable excavator, but sourcing hydraulic pumps for it can be a challenge due to limited documentation and regional variations. With persistence, technical inspection, and creative sourcing, owners can restore these machines to full functionality. Whether through OEM channels, European networks, or custom retrofits, the 1088 LT still has a place on the jobsite—provided its heart, the pump group, is properly matched and maintained.