Case 480CK Construction King: Specs, Parts & Common Issues
A 41-horsepower industrial tractor loader backhoe built from the mid-1960s through 1971 — the first 480-series Construction King and the direct predecessor to the 480B. Here's the verified spec sheet, the documented common issues, and the parts that fit it.
The Case 480CK is the original Construction King 480 — a mid-1960s through 1971 industrial tractor loader backhoe that sat between the smaller 430CK and the heavier 580CK in the Case lineup. Power came from either a Case G188D 188-cubic-inch diesel or a 148-cubic-inch gas four, paired to a single dry clutch and a 4- or 8-speed mechanical shuttle transmission. The G188D became the workhorse engine that carried into the 480B, 580CK, and 580B, which is why most engine internals cross-reference across all four models.
This guide covers the verified specifications, where to find the serial number, the engine and powertrain options, the failure modes owners report most often (shuttle clutch wear, fuel injection pump fade, drum brake sticking, and steering cylinder leaks lead the list), the parts we stock with confirmed 480CK fitment, and how the 480CK fits in the Case Construction King lineage.
At-a-glance specifications
Case 480CK — factory specifications
- Production years
- Mid-1960s – 1971
- Engine (diesel)
- Case G188D, 188 cu in (3.1 L)
- Engine (gas)
- Case 4-cyl, 148 cu in
- Horsepower (diesel)
- 41.5 HP @ 2,100 rpm
- Horsepower (gas)
- ~38.5 HP
- Transmission
- 4F/4R or 8F/8R synchronized mechanical shuttle
- Clutch
- Single dry, 11 in
- Operating weight
- ~8,200 lb (3,720 kg)
- Hydraulic flow
- 17.5 gpm (66.5 L/min)
- Hydraulic pressure
- 2,000 psi backhoe / 1,750 psi loader
- Loader lift capacity
- 2,200 lb at pin (1,000 kg)
- Loader breakout
- 5,500 lb (2,500 kg)
- Backhoe dig depth
- 148 in (12 ft 4 in / 3,810 mm)
- Backhoe dig force
- 6,870 lb (3,120 kg)
- Wheelbase
- 77.2 in gas / 78.4 in diesel
- Travel speed (max)
- 17.2 mph
Where to find the serial number plate
The 480CK carries a stamped data plate on the left side of the tractor frame rail, typically under or just behind the left loader tower / lift-arm pivot, near the left-side step area. The engine serial is stamped separately on the left side of the engine block below the cylinder head.
| Plate | Location |
|---|---|
| Tractor (machine) serial | Left frame rail under the left loader tower, near the operator step |
| Engine serial (G188D) | Left side of the engine block, below the head |
| Loader and backhoe serials | Each attachment carries its own plate — typically on the loader frame and the backhoe swing tower |
Production years and serial numbers
Cross-referenced production records put the 480CK roughly between the mid-1960s and 1971. Dealer parts catalogs list a coverage window of 01/1966 through 12/1971; both place active production from 1967 through 1971. The 480B took over in 1971/1972.
A publicly published year-by-serial-start table for the 480CK does not exist in the open record — Case's original service literature is the only authoritative source, and that data is gated behind dealer parts systems. Read the serial off the plate and confirm the build year with the parts desk or a Case dealer database before ordering anything tied to engine or driveline internals.
Engine and powertrain
The 480CK was offered with two factory engine options, both Case-built inline four-cylinders:
- Case G188D diesel — 188 cu in (3.1 L), naturally aspirated, liquid-cooled, indirect injection, 41.5 HP at 2,100 rpm. Bore 3.81 in × stroke 4.13 in. The same engine carries forward to the 480B, 580CK, and 580B, which is why overhaul kits and most internal parts cross between all four.
- Case 148 ci gas — 4-cylinder, ~38.5 HP, updraft carburetor (Zenith-style), 7.1:1 compression, 12V electrical, 22 US gal fuel tank.
Two transmission options were offered, both synchronized mechanical shuttle (not power shuttle — power shuttle did not appear in the 480 series until the 480B):
- 4F/4R synchronized shuttle — four gears forward and reverse, shifted by a single shuttle lever.
- 8F/8R synchronized shuttle — essentially a two-range overlay on the 4-speed for finer ground-speed control during loader and backhoe work.
Both transmissions feed through a single 11-inch dry clutch. That clutch is the most-replaced wear item on the 480CK and is described in the common-problems section below.
Loader and backhoe capacities
| Capacity | Spec |
|---|---|
| Loader lift at full height (pin) | 2,200 lb (1,000 kg) |
| Loader breakout force | 5,500 lb (2,500 kg) |
| Loader max lift height (pin) | 128.3 in (3,245 mm) |
| Loader bucket sizes | 63 in or 73 in (1,600 / 1,845 mm) |
| Backhoe digging depth | 148 in / 12 ft 4 in (3,810 mm) |
| Backhoe reach from swing pivot | 185 in (4,680 mm) |
| Backhoe bucket dig force | 6,870 lb (3,120 kg) |
| Backhoe max dump height | ~138 in (~3,500 mm) |
Common problems documented by owners
The following issues reflect the actual failure modes 480CK owners report — diagnose in order before condemning major components.
Shuttle clutch wear and contamination
The single dry clutch is the most-reported 480CK problem. Symptoms include grinding shifts between forward and reverse, slipping under load, and the pedal hitting the floorboard without releasing. On machines that have sat for extended periods, the disc can stick to the flywheel. Replacement requires splitting the tractor. Before ordering a clutch kit, inspect the rear engine main seal and the front transmission seal — leaking oil onto the dry clutch is a frequent root cause.
G188D fuel system fade
The Roosa Master / Stanadyne rotary injection pump on the G188D develops issues over time: sticking delivery valves, weeping seal kit, and lift-pump fuel-flow problems. Symptoms include hard starting, cutting out under load, and complete fuel starvation after sitting. Most owners pull the injection pump, replace the seal kit, and bench-test before reinstalling. Browse fuel system parts in the Case Backhoe Parts hub.
Drum brake sticking after sitting
The 480CK uses internal band-and-drum brakes on each rear axle. After the machine sits — especially outdoors — the bands will stick to the drums and the operator will report "no brakes" or "won't release." This is rarely a worn band; the fix is usually a brake adjustment and a careful pedal cycle to free the friction surfaces. Worn bands and rivetable linings are still consumables. Brake band and lining kits in stock are listed in the parts table.
Steering cylinder leak-down
The 480CK runs a single power-steering cylinder with seal kits that are difficult to find in original CK-only configurations. Symptoms: steering wheel drifts under load, fluid weeps at the rod end, and the cylinder body shows fluid film. Replacement steering cylinders that fit the 480CK / 580CK / 480B / 580B family are available — see the parts table.
Hydraulic pump access
The hydraulic pump location on the 480CK is awkward. The standard procedure for pump replacement involves pulling the loader frame to gain access — budget shop time accordingly. Pump couplers and drive shafts are common replacement items when the pump comes out.
Electrical and charging age-out
50-year-old wiring harnesses, original generators (early 480CK units), and tired starter solenoids generate intermittent charging and no-start complaints. Many 480CKs in service today have been converted from the original generator to an alternator. Original-style generator and replacement starter parts are both available.
Cooling system fatigue
Original radiators are now 50-plus years old. Common service items: radiator recore or replacement, water pump (different units for gas vs. diesel — the G188D and the 148 ci gas use different pumps), thermostat, hoses, and cooling fan / fan belt.
Verified replacement parts
The following parts are in stock and confirmed to fit the 480CK either by explicit description fitment or by inclusion in a Case 480CK-specific category.
| Part | SKU | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Case 480CK Service Manual | CA-S-480CKTLB | 540-page factory service manual — covers the full machine, including hydraulics, fuel system, and shuttle transmission |
| Case 188 Diesel Engine Overhaul Kit | BEKC1883 | Full overhaul package for the G188D — pistons, sleeves, rings, bearings, gaskets |
| Pencil-Style Fuel Injector | A140829 | Replacement injector for the G188D — replace as a set when one fails |
| Fuel Injection Pump Seal Kit (Roosa Master / Stanadyne) | R14711-Kit | Reseals the G188D's rotary IP — addresses the documented fuel-fade and weep failure mode |
| Zenith-Style Carburetor | 17A21 | Direct replacement carburetor for the 148 ci gas 480CK |
| 11" Transmission Clutch Disc | A37568 | Replacement dry clutch disc — the most-replaced wear item on the 480CK shuttle drivetrain |
| 11" Clutch Pressure Plate (24-Spline) | A36962 | Pairs with the A37568 disc — replace as a set whenever the tractor is split |
| Clutch Release Bearing | 8225518 | Replace whenever the clutch is out — original bearings rarely survive a second clutch job |
| Brake Band Pair | 249018A3 | Replacement brake bands for both rear axle drums — sold as a matched pair |
| Brake Lining Replacement Kit | 249019A1 | Riveted lining kit for relining existing bands — includes rivets |
| Steering Cylinder Assembly | 234447A1 | Complete replacement steering cylinder — addresses the documented seal-leak failure mode |
| Rear Axle Bull Gear | A168925 | Final drive bull gear for the 480CK rear axle |
| Early Rear Axle Bearing & Seal Kit | CS-580B-RA-Kit | Bearings and seals for the early CK-era rear axle — covers the 480CK through 580B range |
| Radiator (No Torque Converter) | A39344 | Direct-fit radiator for 480CK-era machines without torque converter |
| Ignition Switch with Key Set | A24511 | Replacement ignition switch — common no-start cause when the original contacts fail |
Browse by 480CK-fit category
- Brakes — 430CK, 480CK, 480B, 530CK, 580CK, 580B
- Rear Axle & Differential — 480CK, 480B, 580CK, 580B
- Front Axle 2WD — 430CK, 480CK, 480B, 530CK, 580, 580CK, 580B
- Case 480 Backhoe Filters
- Case Backhoe Parts — full catalog
Maintenance schedule
| Interval | Item | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | Grease loader pivots, backhoe swing tower, stabilizer pins, steering linkage | Before each shift |
| 100 hours | Inspect air filter, fan belt, hoses, tire pressures | Replace air filter as needed in dusty conditions |
| 250 hours | Engine oil and oil filter (G188D) | Use a quality CC/CD-grade diesel oil |
| 500 hours | Fuel filter / fuel-water separator | Critical on machines running old or marginal fuel |
| 1,000 hours | Hydraulic fluid and filter; transmission fluid; cooling system flush | Inspect brake bands and clutch pedal free play at the same interval |
| As needed | Brake band adjustment | Especially after extended storage — drums frequently stick on first use |
Related Case Construction King models
The 480CK is the original 480-series Construction King and sits between the smaller 430CK and the heavier 580CK in the early Case industrial lineup. Engine and brake parts share widely across the early CK family; loader and frame components diverge by model.
| Model | Engine | Class | Production |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case 530CK | Case 159 ci gas / G188D diesel | Predecessor in the CK lineage | 1960 – 1966/67 |
| Case 480CK (this page) | Case 148 ci gas / G188D diesel, 41.5 HP | Industrial loader backhoe | Mid-1960s – 1971 |
| Case 580CK | Case 188 ci gas / G188D diesel | Heavier sibling, ran alongside the 480CK | 1966 – 1971 |
| Case 480B / 580B | G188D diesel, ~46 HP | Direct successor; power shuttle option introduced | 1971 – 1976 |
| Case 580C | Case 207 ci diesel | Refined hydraulics; new operator station | 1975 – 1980 |
Frequently asked questions
What years was the Case 480CK made?
Approximately the mid-1960s through 1971. Dealer parts catalogs list a coverage window of January 1966 through December 1971. The 480B replaced the 480CK in 1971/1972.
What engine is in a Case 480CK?
Two factory options. The diesel is the Case G188D — a 188 cubic-inch, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated diesel rated at 41.5 HP. The gas option is a 148 cubic-inch Case 4-cylinder rated at approximately 38.5 HP.
Does the 480CK have a power shuttle?
No. The 480CK uses a synchronized mechanical shuttle — 4F/4R or 8F/8R — driven through a single 11-inch dry clutch. Power shuttle was introduced later in the 480 series with the 480B.
How deep does the 480CK backhoe dig?
148 inches — 12 feet 4 inches — with the factory backhoe attachment.
Where is the serial number on a Case 480CK?
Stamped on a data plate on the left side of the tractor frame rail, under or just behind the left loader tower near the operator step. The engine serial is separately stamped on the left side of the engine block below the cylinder head.
What parts cross between the 480CK and the 580CK?
Most engine internals (the G188D is shared), the clutch and shuttle transmission components, brake bands and linings, rear axle bull gears and bearings, front axle 2WD components, steering arms, and many hydraulic pump and steering pump parts. Loader and main frame components do not cross — the 580CK is the heavier machine and uses different sheet metal and loader geometry.
Is the 480CK the same as the 480B?
No. The 480B replaced the 480CK in 1971/1972. The B kept the G188D engine but introduced the optional power shuttle, a refined loader, and updated cab and operator station. Many parts cross between the two, but they are not the same machine.
Need parts for your Case 480CK?
Engine overhaul kits for the G188D, clutch and shuttle drivetrain components, brake bands and linings, steering cylinders, rear axle bearings, and full service manuals — serial-verified fitment and same-warehouse shipping from the U.S. Talk to a tech: (800) 909-7060, Mon–Fri 7a–5p CT.
Shop Case Backhoe Parts
