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The Case 580K and Its Role in Construction History
The Case 580K backhoe loader is part of a legendary lineage that helped define compact construction equipment in the late 20th century. Manufactured by Case Corporation, which traces its roots back to 1842, the 580 series became one of the most widely used backhoes in North America and beyond. The 580K, introduced in the mid-1980s, was a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the 580E, offering improved hydraulics, better operator ergonomics, and enhanced serviceability.
With a diesel engine producing around 62 to 70 horsepower depending on configuration, and a digging depth exceeding 14 feet with the extendahoe option, the 580K was designed for versatility—handling trenching, loading, grading, and utility work with ease. Tens of thousands of units were sold globally, and many remain in active service today, especially in rural municipalities and small contractor fleets.
Terminology Notes
On the Case 580K, the serial number is typically located in one of the following places:
Serial Number Format and Year Matching
Case used a sequential serial number system for the 580K, with specific ranges corresponding to production years. While exact ranges vary slightly by region and configuration, the following general guide applies:
Operator Anecdotes and Field Identification
A contractor in Iowa purchased a used 580K with a faded serial plate. By locating the stamped number on the transmission housing and comparing it to archived dealer records, he confirmed the machine was built in 1991. This helped him source the correct hydraulic filter and clutch components, which differed slightly from earlier models.
In another case from Alberta, a municipal fleet mechanic used the serial number to verify that a 580K had the Phase III hydraulic pump, allowing him to order the correct seal kit and avoid a costly mismatch.
Tips for Accurate Identification
To ensure correct year and part compatibility:
Different production years of the 580K may include variations in:
Case Corporation and Equipment Legacy
Case Corporation merged with New Holland in 1999 to form CNH Global, now part of CNH Industrial. While the 580K is no longer in production, its legacy continues through the 580N and 580EV electric models. The original 580K remains a symbol of durable, field-serviceable design, often praised for its mechanical simplicity and parts availability.
According to industry estimates, over 100,000 units of the 580K series were sold during its production run, making it one of the most successful backhoe loaders in history.
Conclusion
Identifying the year of a Case 580K backhoe using its serial number is essential for accurate parts sourcing, maintenance planning, and historical documentation. With a clear understanding of serial number formats and production timelines, operators and technicians can confidently support these machines for decades to come. The 580K may be vintage iron, but with the right knowledge, it remains a reliable partner in the dirt.
The Case 580K backhoe loader is part of a legendary lineage that helped define compact construction equipment in the late 20th century. Manufactured by Case Corporation, which traces its roots back to 1842, the 580 series became one of the most widely used backhoes in North America and beyond. The 580K, introduced in the mid-1980s, was a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the 580E, offering improved hydraulics, better operator ergonomics, and enhanced serviceability.
With a diesel engine producing around 62 to 70 horsepower depending on configuration, and a digging depth exceeding 14 feet with the extendahoe option, the 580K was designed for versatility—handling trenching, loading, grading, and utility work with ease. Tens of thousands of units were sold globally, and many remain in active service today, especially in rural municipalities and small contractor fleets.
Terminology Notes
- Extendahoe: A telescoping dipper stick that increases digging depth and reach beyond the standard boom.
- Serial Number Plate: A stamped metal tag affixed to the machine, typically near the dashboard or on the frame, containing model and production data.
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): A unique identifier used in automotive and some heavy equipment applications, often interchangeable with serial number in older machines.
- Model Year: The year in which the machine was manufactured or designated for sale, which may differ slightly from the calendar year of production.
On the Case 580K, the serial number is typically located in one of the following places:
- On the dashboard near the steering column
- On the left side of the frame near the loader arm pivot
- Inside the engine compartment on the firewall
- On the transmission housing near the bellhousing flange
Serial Number Format and Year Matching
Case used a sequential serial number system for the 580K, with specific ranges corresponding to production years. While exact ranges vary slightly by region and configuration, the following general guide applies:
- 1987: Serial numbers starting around JJG0020000
- 1988: JJG0030000
- 1989: JJG0040000
- 1990: JJG0050000
- 1991: JJG0060000
- 1992: JJG0070000
- 1993: JJG0080000
- 1994: JJG0090000
- 1995: JJG0100000 (transition to 580K Phase III)
Operator Anecdotes and Field Identification
A contractor in Iowa purchased a used 580K with a faded serial plate. By locating the stamped number on the transmission housing and comparing it to archived dealer records, he confirmed the machine was built in 1991. This helped him source the correct hydraulic filter and clutch components, which differed slightly from earlier models.
In another case from Alberta, a municipal fleet mechanic used the serial number to verify that a 580K had the Phase III hydraulic pump, allowing him to order the correct seal kit and avoid a costly mismatch.
Tips for Accurate Identification
To ensure correct year and part compatibility:
- Always record the full serial number, including prefix
- Cross-reference with official Case parts catalogs or dealer systems
- Check engine serial number separately if the engine has been replaced
- Inspect hydraulic valve block for casting numbers that may indicate revision level
- Use archived service bulletins to identify mid-year changes
Different production years of the 580K may include variations in:
- Hydraulic pump type and flow rate
- Transmission configuration (mechanical vs. power shuttle)
- Electrical system layout and fuse panel design
- Loader control linkage geometry
- Emissions components and muffler design
Case Corporation and Equipment Legacy
Case Corporation merged with New Holland in 1999 to form CNH Global, now part of CNH Industrial. While the 580K is no longer in production, its legacy continues through the 580N and 580EV electric models. The original 580K remains a symbol of durable, field-serviceable design, often praised for its mechanical simplicity and parts availability.
According to industry estimates, over 100,000 units of the 580K series were sold during its production run, making it one of the most successful backhoe loaders in history.
Conclusion
Identifying the year of a Case 580K backhoe using its serial number is essential for accurate parts sourcing, maintenance planning, and historical documentation. With a clear understanding of serial number formats and production timelines, operators and technicians can confidently support these machines for decades to come. The 580K may be vintage iron, but with the right knowledge, it remains a reliable partner in the dirt.
