Should You Part Out or Scrap a Case 680CK Backhoe Loader

[MikePhua]

The Legacy of the Case 680CK
The Case 680CK was part of a pivotal generation of backhoe loaders produced by J.I. Case Company during the 1960s and 1970s. The “CK” designation stood for “Construction King,” a branding that reflected Case’s ambition to dominate the utility equipment market. With a rugged mechanical transmission, hydraulic backhoe and loader systems, and a diesel engine typically in the 60–70 horsepower range, the 680CK was built for trenching, grading, and material handling across farms, municipalities, and small construction sites.
Thousands of units were sold across North America, and many remained in service for decades. However, as parts became scarce and emissions standards evolved, the 680CK gradually transitioned from frontline duty to retirement, restoration, or salvage.
Terminology Notes

• Backhoe Loader: A machine combining a front loader and rear excavator arm, used for digging and loading.
  
• Power Shuttle Transmission: A hydraulic clutch system allowing smooth directional changes without manual clutching.
  
• Swing Tower: The pivot assembly that allows the backhoe arm to swing left and right.
  
• Crowd Cylinder: The hydraulic actuator that extends or retracts the dipper stick.
  

Evaluating the Condition Before Deciding
Before choosing to part out or scrap a 680CK, assess the following:

• Engine condition: Does it start, idle, and hold oil pressure?
  
• Transmission response: Does it shift smoothly in forward and reverse?
  
• Hydraulic system: Are cylinders leaking or sluggish?
  
• Structural integrity: Are the loader arms, boom, and frame intact?
  
• Tire or track condition: Are they usable or rotted?
  

A retired operator in Iowa once revived a 680CK with a seized swing cylinder by fabricating a new rod and seal kit from scratch. The machine went on to dig over 300 feet of trench for a drainage project.
Parting Out for Value
If the machine is beyond repair but has salvageable components, parting out can yield significant returns:

• Engine block and head assemblies
  
• Hydraulic pumps and control valves
  
• Loader and backhoe cylinders
  
• Transmission and torque converter
  
• Sheet metal panels and operator controls
  
• Rear axle and differential
  

Online marketplaces and regional salvage yards often seek vintage Case parts, especially for machines still in use on farms or by hobbyists. A seller in British Columbia listed a functioning 680CK transmission for $1,200 and sold it within a week to a collector restoring a 1974 model.
Scrapping for Metal Recovery
If the machine is structurally compromised or stripped of key components, scrapping may be the only option. The 680CK contains:

• Cast iron engine and transmission housings
  
• Steel loader arms and backhoe boom
  
• Hydraulic lines and fittings
  
• Aluminum radiator and trim components
  

Scrap value depends on weight and regional metal prices. A complete unit may yield 5,000–6,000 pounds of recoverable metal. At $0.10–$0.20 per pound, this translates to $500–$1,200 in scrap revenue, minus transport and labor.
A contractor in Tennessee scrapped a fire-damaged 680CK and used the proceeds to purchase a used trailer for his newer equipment.
Preservation and Restoration Possibilities
Some owners choose to restore vintage Case machines for personal use or historical preservation. Restoration may involve:

• Rebuilding the engine with aftermarket gaskets and rings
  
• Replacing hydraulic hoses and seals
  
• Sandblasting and repainting the frame
  
• Installing new seat, gauges, and lighting
  
• Upgrading tires or converting to foam-filled
  

A museum in Wisconsin restored a 1968 680CK to working condition and now uses it for demonstration during agricultural heritage events. The machine draws attention for its mechanical simplicity and distinctive yellow paint.
Recommendations for Decision-Making

• If the engine and hydraulics are functional, consider selling as a working unit
  
• If key systems are dead but components are intact, part out for maximum value
  
• If the machine is incomplete or heavily damaged, scrap for metal recovery
  
• If sentimental or historical value exists, explore restoration with local support
  

Anecdote from the Field
In 2022, a landowner in Maine inherited a 680CK from his grandfather. The machine hadn’t run in 15 years and was buried under brush. After clearing the site and replacing the starter, he discovered the engine still turned freely. With help from a retired mechanic, he rebuilt the fuel system and got the backhoe running. Today, it’s used to maintain trails and dig post holes on the family property.
Conclusion
The Case 680CK may be outdated by modern standards, but its legacy lives on in fields, barns, and workshops across the continent. Whether you choose to part it out, scrap it, or restore it, the decision should reflect the machine’s condition, your goals, and the value it still holds—either in metal, memory, or mechanical potential.