Model Spotlight

Case 580 Super K Backhoe Loader: Specs, Parts & Common Issues

Produced 1987 – 1994 as the turbocharged version of the K-generation Construction King. Cummins 4T-390 turbocharged four-cylinder diesel, approximately 75 HP, wet-disc multi-plate brakes, and the same Phase III chassis architecture used on the late 580K. The Super K is mechanically very close to the 580K Phase III minus a few engine and exhaust differences.

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Broken Tractor Editorial Team• Updated May 2026• 10 min read

The Case 580 Super K is the turbocharged version of the K-generation Construction King small-frame backhoe loader. It came to market in 1987 alongside the naturally aspirated 580K and ran through 1994. The defining Super K feature is the engine: a Cummins 4T-390 turbocharged four-cylinder diesel making approximately 75 HP — about 10 HP more than the 580K's naturally aspirated 4-390, with substantially stronger torque under load. The Super K shares its chassis, hydraulics, drivetrain, wet-disc brakes, axles, loader iron, and backhoe iron with the 580K Phase III (the post-JJG0020000 580K).

For owners maintaining a 580 Super K today, the most useful single fact is that most service parts cross-fit with the 580K Phase III. Many parts in our catalog explicitly carry "580K, 580 Super K" fitment because the two machines share so much architecture. The Super K-specific items are largely confined to the turbocharger and its supporting systems: the A184890 turbo muffler, CS-580SK-FK turbo filter kit, the 580 Super K decal set (C580SK), and a handful of items that differ from the naturally aspirated 580K because of the turbo's heat and pressure load.

At-a-glance specifications

How the 580 Super K differs from the 580K

The Super K and 580K share most chassis architecture. The differences are largely confined to the engine and supporting systems:

• Engine — Super K uses the Cummins 4T-390 turbocharged 4-cylinder; 580K uses the naturally aspirated 4-390. Same 239 cubic inch (3.9 L) block, same bore-stroke geometry, same Bosch in-line injection pump architecture.
• Turbocharger — only on the Super K. The wastegated turbo, mounting brackets, oil supply and return lines, and exhaust plumbing are all Super K-specific. The J802290 turbocharger in our catalog is the verified turbo replacement.
• Muffler — the A184237 non-turbo muffler is for 580K and certain non-turbo Super K configurations; the A184890 turbo muffler is the Super K turbo-engine-specific exhaust component.
• Filter kits — CS-580SK-FK is the Super K + 590 Turbo filter set (covers the turbo engine's specific filtration); CS-580KIII-FK is the 580K Phase III filter set; CS-580KI-FK is the Phase I 580K filter set.
• Power output — Super K approximately 75 HP vs. 580K's 65 HP. Peak torque arrives at lower rpm on the Super K, giving it substantially more low-end pull for digging and lifting.
• Cooling system — slightly larger or higher-flow on the Super K to handle the turbo's additional heat load, though the A172038 radiator cross-fits both.
• Decal set — C580SK identifies a Super K specifically; C580K is the 580K-only decal.

Everything else — hydraulics, drivetrain, axles, brakes, frame, loader and backhoe iron, cab — interchanges with the Phase III 580K. Many parts labeled "580K, 580 Super K" in our catalog fit both machines.

The Cummins 4T-390 turbocharged engine

The Cummins 4T-390 is the turbocharged version of the 4-390 (4BT) used on the 580K. Both engines share the same 239 cubic inch (3.9 L) four-cylinder block casting and the same lower-end architecture. The turbo version adds a wastegated turbocharger and uses heavier-duty internal components — stronger connecting rods, modified pistons with appropriate compression-ratio targets, and head modifications to handle the increased thermal and pressure load.

The Cummins 4BT industrial engine family has one of the broadest parts ecosystems of any small-block diesel in existence. The same engine appears on Dodge Ram pickups, industrial generator sets, marine pumps, military vehicles, and a long list of construction equipment. That parts ecosystem means pistons, rings, bearings, head gasket sets, water pumps, oil pumps, and many valve train components source readily through Cummins 4BT service channels in addition to Case-branded parts. The 580 Super K benefits directly from this engine commonality.

The Super K's wastegated turbocharger is the single most common engine-service item that distinguishes the Super K from the naturally aspirated 580K. Symptoms of turbo wear: blue smoke at startup or under throttle, oil consumption, audible whine outside the normal pitch range, or visible compressor wheel shaft play. Plan on a turbocharger rebuild or replacement as a baseline restoration step on any unrestored Super K.

Wet-disc brakes (shared with 580K)

The 580 Super K uses the same wet-disc multi-plate brake architecture as the late 580K. Discs run submerged in the rear-end transaxle oil, providing effectively maintenance-free brake service for the life of the disc pack — typically 6,000–8,000 hours of hard service. When the discs do wear out, the symptom is gradual loss of brake pedal pressure, sometimes with metal flake in the rear-end oil. The 1995361C1 brake plate piston is the verified service component, cross-fitting Super K, 580K Phase III, and 590 Turbo.

Power shuttle transmission

The Super K uses Case's four-speed Power Shuttle transmission with single-stage torque converter, the same drivetrain as the Phase III 580K. The A188946 metallic transmission disc is one of our highest-volume parts (137 units sold over the last 12 months) and is the standard replacement for the clutch disc in this drivetrain. The CS-580SK-TRAXL-R rebuilt transaxle covers the Super K and the 580K Phase III as a complete drop-in replacement.

Verified top-selling 580 Super K parts

The parts table below leads with the items our 580 Super K customers actually buy, ranked by 12-month sales volume across the 580K / Super K family. Many parts cross-fit between the two — those are clearly labeled. Super K-specific items are flagged.

For a comprehensive Case 580 Super K parts inventory beyond these top-sellers, browse the Case backhoe loader parts hub or consult the related Case 580K spotlight for additional cross-fit items.

Common issues and what to expect

Turbocharger wear

The Super K's wastegated turbocharger is the most common single failure point that distinguishes the Super K from the naturally aspirated 580K. Symptoms: blue smoke at startup or during throttle application, oil consumption, audible whine outside the normal pitch range, or visible compressor wheel shaft play. Replace or rebuild at the first sign of bearing wear — a failed turbo can ingest its own compressor wheel and damage the engine.

4T-390 engine wear

The Cummins 4BT block is durable, with broad service-parts availability. Common items on 30-plus-year-old turbo engines: head gasket failure (typically between cylinders or at the deck), injector wear (causes hard starting and rough running), and the turbocharger items called out above. Engine parts are widely available through both Case sources and Cummins B-series channels.

Wet-disc brake wear

After 6,000–8,000 hours of hard service, the wet-disc brakes wear out. The 1995361C1 brake plate piston and matching service components are the verified replacements.

Hydraulic pump wear

The D146608 main hydraulic pump wears over time. Symptoms: lazy boom and dipper, weak stabilizers, longer cycle times under load.

Cooling system service

Original radiator cores (A172038) corrode internally over 30-plus years. The D127774 / D127775 radiator hose pair is one of the most-replaced cooling system items. Replace the hydraulic oil cooler (A184542) at the same time.

4WD front axle and king pin wear

Carraro 4WD front axles see heavy steering loads under loader work. King pin wear shows up as steering slop and front-end wander. The 710103 4WD king pin kit and CFA580SK-4 complete rebuilt 4WD axle are the verified service items.

Power shuttle clutch wear

The A188946 metallic transmission disc is the high-volume service item — 137 units sold over the last 12 months. Power Shuttle clutch packs wear with age; the CS-580SK-TRAXL-R rebuilt transaxle is the drop-in alternative when the unit is past piecemeal repair.

Where the 580 Super K sits in the Construction King family

The 580 Super K is the turbocharged version of the K-generation Construction King small-frame backhoe loader. It ran alongside the naturally aspirated 580K from 1987 through 1994. Above it in the K generation sat the larger-frame 590 Turbo (1990–1995), which shares the same 4T-390 turbocharged engine on a larger chassis. After the Super K came the 580 Super L (1995–2000), which carried the 4T-390 forward into the L-generation cab and refined hydraulics.