Decoding Hydraulic Hose Fittings on the Case 480C

[MikePhua]

When Part Numbers Don’t Match the Manual
Owners of the Case 480C backhoe often encounter a frustrating issue when trying to replace hydraulic hoses: the part numbers listed in the official parts manual don’t correspond to any recognizable fittings in modern catalogs. For example, fittings labeled as 220-198 or 220-252 may appear in the manual, but searching for these numbers yields no results in Case’s current parts system or aftermarket databases. This disconnect is especially common with machines built in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when Case used proprietary numbering systems that have since been phased out or superseded.
Understanding Legacy Hose Assemblies
The Case 480C, produced from 1976 to 1980, used a mix of reusable and crimped hydraulic fittings. Many of these were manufactured in-house or sourced from vendors like Weatherhead and Aeroquip, but rebranded with Case-specific part numbers. Over time, as Case transitioned to CNH Industrial and updated its parts systems, many of these numbers were either consolidated or replaced with generic fitting specifications.
The original fittings were often:

• JIC 37° flare
  
• NPT (National Pipe Thread)
  
• ORFS (O-ring Face Seal)
  
• SAE 45° flare (less common)
  

However, the manuals rarely specify thread type, angle, or fitting size. Instead, they list a part number that refers to a complete hose assembly or a subcomponent that no longer exists in the current inventory.
Strategies for Identifying the Right Fittings
To work around this issue:

• Remove the old hose and bring it to a hydraulic shop for measurement. Most shops can identify thread type, fitting angle, and hose ID using calipers and thread gauges.
  
• Use a thread identification kit to determine whether the fitting is JIC, NPT, or ORFS. This is especially useful for field repairs.
  
• Cross-reference the part number with online diagrams or exploded views. Some third-party suppliers offer visual hose maps for the 480C, showing routing and connection points.
  
• Contact a Case dealer with the full serial number of the machine. They may be able to trace the original part number to a modern equivalent or suggest a retrofit.
  

Common Hose Locations and Pressures
On the 480C, key hydraulic hoses include:

• Boom cylinder hoses: typically 3,000–4,000 psi rated
  
• Bucket curl hoses: often shorter, with 90° fittings
  
• Swing cylinder hoses: routed through the boom pivot, prone to wear
  
• Loader lift hoses: longer runs, may require abrasion sleeves
  

Always match the pressure rating of the replacement hose to the original. Underrated hoses can burst under load, especially during cold starts or heavy digging.
Tips for Rebuilding the Hydraulic System
If replacing multiple hoses:

• Label each hose before removal to avoid confusion during reinstallation
  
• Replace O-rings and seals at each connection point
  
• Flush the system to remove debris before installing new hoses
  
• Use hydraulic-rated Teflon tape or thread sealant only on NPT threads—never on JIC or ORFS
  

One operator in Connecticut reported replacing nearly all hoses on his 480C after discovering that the manual’s part numbers were unusable. By working with a local hydraulic shop and using visual diagrams, he was able to rebuild the system with modern fittings and improve reliability.
Conclusion
The Case 480C’s hydraulic system reflects an era of proprietary engineering that doesn’t always translate cleanly into today’s parts catalogs. When part numbers fail, hands-on measurement, visual inspection, and expert assistance become essential. With patience and the right tools, even legacy machines like the 480C can be restored to full hydraulic function—fitting by fitting.