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The Case 580C and Its Historical Footprint
The Case 580C tractor-loader-backhoe (TLB) was introduced in the mid-1970s by J.I. Case Company, a Wisconsin-based manufacturer with roots dating back to 1842. Known for pioneering steam-powered agricultural machinery, Case evolved into a global force in construction equipment. The 580C was part of the highly successful 580 series, which sold hundreds of thousands of units across North America and beyond. It became a staple in municipal fleets, farm operations, and small contractors’ yards due to its balance of power, simplicity, and affordability.
The 580C featured a standard configuration with a Case 207D diesel engine, mechanical transmission, and hydraulic backhoe and loader systems. Its design emphasized serviceability and ruggedness, making it a favorite among operators who preferred mechanical over electronic systems.
When the Serial Number Plate Is Missing
The serial number plate on a Case 580C is typically mounted on the left side of the operator’s station, about 20 inches above the floor between the dash and the cab door. However, due to age, repainting, or previous ownership changes, these plates are sometimes removed, damaged, or lost. Without the plate, identifying the exact year and configuration of the machine becomes a challenge—but not an insurmountable one.
In such cases, technicians and owners can rely on secondary identifiers:
Why Serial Numbers Matter
Serial numbers are more than just identification—they’re essential for:
Restoration Without a Serial Plate
Restoring a 580C without its serial plate requires a methodical approach. Begin by documenting all visible identifiers and photographing key components. Compare casting numbers and decals with known production ranges. The Case 207D engine, for instance, was used from 1975 to 1980 in the 580C, and its casting number A-136813 can help narrow down the build year.
Recommended steps:
Engine and Component Overview
The Case 207D engine is a naturally aspirated, four-cylinder diesel known for its simplicity and torque. Key specs include:
Tips for Long-Term Ownership
Owning a vintage 580C comes with responsibilities. Without a serial plate, proactive maintenance and documentation become even more critical. Here are some practical recommendations:
Stories from the Field
In 2012, a rancher in New Mexico discovered his 580C had no serial plate after purchasing it from an estate sale. With help from a retired Case technician, he traced the machine’s lineage through engine and backhoe numbers, eventually confirming it was built in 1979. He restored it over two years, using parts from three donor machines and even fabricated a new cab door from salvaged steel.
Another story comes from a small town in Georgia, where a 580C was used for over 30 years to maintain gravel roads. When the serial plate fell off during repainting, the town mechanic engraved the number into the dashboard with a rotary tool, ensuring future serviceability.
Final Reflections
The Case 580C remains a testament to mechanical durability and design simplicity. Even when the serial number plate is missing, the machine’s identity can be reconstructed through careful observation and historical knowledge. For restorers, operators, and enthusiasts, the absence of a plate is not a dead end—it’s an invitation to dig deeper, learn more, and preserve a piece of construction history.
Whether grading a driveway or trenching for irrigation, the 580C continues to serve with quiet reliability. And when its identity is lost, the community of owners and technicians ensures it can be rediscovered, one casting number at a time.
The Case 580C tractor-loader-backhoe (TLB) was introduced in the mid-1970s by J.I. Case Company, a Wisconsin-based manufacturer with roots dating back to 1842. Known for pioneering steam-powered agricultural machinery, Case evolved into a global force in construction equipment. The 580C was part of the highly successful 580 series, which sold hundreds of thousands of units across North America and beyond. It became a staple in municipal fleets, farm operations, and small contractors’ yards due to its balance of power, simplicity, and affordability.
The 580C featured a standard configuration with a Case 207D diesel engine, mechanical transmission, and hydraulic backhoe and loader systems. Its design emphasized serviceability and ruggedness, making it a favorite among operators who preferred mechanical over electronic systems.
When the Serial Number Plate Is Missing
The serial number plate on a Case 580C is typically mounted on the left side of the operator’s station, about 20 inches above the floor between the dash and the cab door. However, due to age, repainting, or previous ownership changes, these plates are sometimes removed, damaged, or lost. Without the plate, identifying the exact year and configuration of the machine becomes a challenge—but not an insurmountable one.
In such cases, technicians and owners can rely on secondary identifiers:
- ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) tag
- Backhoe serial number stamped on the boom or frame
- Engine data decal, often found on the valve cover or block
- Casting numbers on the engine block or transmission housing
Why Serial Numbers Matter
Serial numbers are more than just identification—they’re essential for:
- Ordering correct replacement parts
- Verifying model-specific service bulletins
- Ensuring compatibility with attachments
- Registering the machine for insurance or resale
- Tracking ownership history and legal compliance
Restoration Without a Serial Plate
Restoring a 580C without its serial plate requires a methodical approach. Begin by documenting all visible identifiers and photographing key components. Compare casting numbers and decals with known production ranges. The Case 207D engine, for instance, was used from 1975 to 1980 in the 580C, and its casting number A-136813 can help narrow down the build year.
Recommended steps:
- Record all visible numbers from the cab, engine, backhoe, and transmission
- Contact a Case dealer with this information
- Request a technical match from the manufacturer’s legacy database
- Use parts catalogs from the late 1970s to cross-reference components
- Keep a restoration log with photos and notes for future reference
Engine and Component Overview
The Case 207D engine is a naturally aspirated, four-cylinder diesel known for its simplicity and torque. Key specs include:
- Displacement: 3.4 liters
- Bore x Stroke: 3.875 in x 4.625 in
- Rated Power: 57 HP at 2200 RPM
- Torque: 160 lb-ft at 1400 RPM
- Fuel System: Mechanical injection pump
- Cooling: Liquid-cooled with belt-driven fan
Tips for Long-Term Ownership
Owning a vintage 580C comes with responsibilities. Without a serial plate, proactive maintenance and documentation become even more critical. Here are some practical recommendations:
- Replace hydraulic hoses every 3–5 years to prevent leaks
- Use high-zinc diesel engine oil for older engines
- Inspect loader and backhoe pins for wear and grease weekly
- Keep a binder with all part numbers, service records, and photos
- Consider engraving a custom serial plate with verified data
Stories from the Field
In 2012, a rancher in New Mexico discovered his 580C had no serial plate after purchasing it from an estate sale. With help from a retired Case technician, he traced the machine’s lineage through engine and backhoe numbers, eventually confirming it was built in 1979. He restored it over two years, using parts from three donor machines and even fabricated a new cab door from salvaged steel.
Another story comes from a small town in Georgia, where a 580C was used for over 30 years to maintain gravel roads. When the serial plate fell off during repainting, the town mechanic engraved the number into the dashboard with a rotary tool, ensuring future serviceability.
Final Reflections
The Case 580C remains a testament to mechanical durability and design simplicity. Even when the serial number plate is missing, the machine’s identity can be reconstructed through careful observation and historical knowledge. For restorers, operators, and enthusiasts, the absence of a plate is not a dead end—it’s an invitation to dig deeper, learn more, and preserve a piece of construction history.
Whether grading a driveway or trenching for irrigation, the 580C continues to serve with quiet reliability. And when its identity is lost, the community of owners and technicians ensures it can be rediscovered, one casting number at a time.
