Model Spotlight

Case 580B Construction King: Specs, Parts & Common Issues

Produced 1971 through 1976 — successor to the 580CK and the model that cemented Case as the dominant North American backhoe brand. Case G188D 188-cubic-inch diesel or 188-cubic-inch gas, both mechanical and power shuttle drivetrains, and external band brakes carried forward from the 580CK.

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

The Case 580B replaced the 580CK in 1971 and ran through 1976. The chassis architecture, engines, brakes, and shuttle drivetrains carried forward from the 580CK with refinements: cleaner sheet metal, an updated cab and ROPS option, and over-center backhoe geometry. The 580B is one of the most popular Case backhoes ever produced and the model that established the 580 line as Case's volume industrial machine. The Case G188D 188-cubic-inch diesel and a 188-cubic-inch gas alternative were both offered, paired with either a mechanical shuttle (single dry clutch) or a power shuttle with torque converter.

This guide covers the verified specifications, where to find the serial number, the engine and drivetrain options, the external band brake system, the failure modes 580B owners report most often, and the parts we stock with confirmed 580B fitment.

At-a-glance specifications

Where to find the serial number plate

The 580B tractor serial is stamped on a data plate on the left side of the dashboard inside the cab, or alternately under the left-hand door on the side of the frame rail. The engine serial is stamped separately on the left side of the engine block. Do not confuse the ROPS plate (inside the cab) with the machine serial — the ROPS plate certifies the rollover protection structure only.

Production years and serial numbers

The Case 580B was produced from 1971 through 1976. Year-by-serial breaks below are widely cited across multiple parts vendors and reference sources.

Engine and powertrain

The 580B was factory-available with two engines, both Case-built inline four-cylinders:

• Case G188D diesel — 188 cubic inches (3.1 L), naturally aspirated, indirect injection. Bore 3.82 × stroke 4.13 in. 17.5:1 compression. ~52 HP gross at 2,100 rpm. Roosa Master / Stanadyne DB-series rotary injection pump. Carried forward from the 580CK and continues into the 580C.
• Case 188 ci gas — four-cylinder gasoline, approximately 55–57 HP gross. The gas option was widely sold on 580Bs.

Three transmission options were offered factory:

• 4F/4R synchronized mechanical shuttle — single 11-inch dry clutch.
• 8F/8R synchronized mechanical shuttle — two-range high-low overlay on the 4-speed.
• 4F/4R power shuttle — torque converter and hydraulically actuated forward/reverse clutch packs. No foot clutch required for shuttle changes; an inching pedal modulates engagement pressure. Clutch pressure spec is 165–195 psi.

External band brakes

The 580B uses external contracting band brakes on each rear axle — the same architecture as the 580CK and shared across the 430CK, 480CK, 480B, 530CK family. Each pedal operates a band wrapped around a drum on its respective final drive housing. Bonded-disc-in-drum brakes arrived later, on the 580C in 1975.

Common failure modes: bands sticking to drums after the machine has sat, broken band return springs, rust-frozen ball-and-ramp actuators, contaminated linings from axle-seal leaks. Band sets, lining kits, and bearing carriers are stocked.

Loader and backhoe capacities

Common problems documented by owners

Power shuttle clutch burn-up and shuttle stall

The most-reported 580B drivetrain failure on power-shuttle-equipped machines. Symptoms: machine drives in reverse but slips or drops out in forward, metal and clutch material in the shuttle pan strainer. Verify clutch pressure (165–195 psi spec) at the test port before condemning the clutch pack. Debris in the torque-tube cavity ahead of the shuttle pump pickup is a common upstream cause. Complete rebuilt power shuttles with torque converter are stocked.

Roosa Master injection pump fade

The DB-series rotary pump on the G188D has a known failure mode: an internal plastic component disintegrates and plugs the return circuit, causing low-power and shutdown symptoms. Pump rebuilds with the R14711 seal kit address the seal-related failures; complete rebuilt pumps are stocked for more advanced wear.

Dry clutch wear (mechanical shuttle units)

On mechanical-shuttle 580Bs the single 11-inch dry clutch is the most-replaced wear item. Symptoms: gear grinding on the shuttle shift, slipping under load, pedal hitting the floorboard without releasing. Splitting the tractor is required; inspect the rear engine main seal and front transmission seal during the job to prevent oil contamination of the new clutch.

External band brake sticking

After the machine sits, brake bands stick to the drums. The operator reports "no brakes" or "won't release." Fix is usually adjustment and a careful pedal cycle to free the friction surfaces. Worn bands and rivetable linings are still consumables.

Steering cylinder leak-down

Common reseal job at high hours; replacement of the complete cylinder is often more reliable than resealing on machines with worn cylinder bores.

Hydraulic pump access

The main hydraulic pump is buried under the loader tower on the 580B — replacement requires loader-frame removal. Budget shop time accordingly.

Pin and bushing wear

Loader pivots, swing tower pins, dipper pins, bucket-link bushings are universal high-hour wear items. Hardened replacement pins, bushings, and complete pin kits for the 580B / 580C era are stocked.

Verified replacement parts

Browse by 580B-fit category

• Brakes — 430CK, 480CK, 480B, 530CK, 580CK, 580B
• Rear Axle & Differential — 580CK, 580B, 480CK, 480B
• Case 580B Backhoe Filters
• Split-Piston Seal Kits — 580B and Early 580C
• Mechanical Shuttle Parts (580B, 580C)
• Transmission Parts — 580B, C, D, E, K, SK
• Case Backhoe Parts — full catalog

Maintenance schedule

Related Case Construction King models

Frequently asked questions

What years was the Case 580B made?

1971 through 1976. The 580C replaced the 580B in 1975 (production overlapped briefly).

What engines were offered on the 580B?

The Case G188D 188-cubic-inch diesel (~52 HP gross at 2,100 rpm) and a 188-cubic-inch four-cylinder gas option (~55–57 HP gross).

Does the 580B have a power shuttle?

Both options were offered factory. Synchronized 4-speed or 8-speed mechanical shuttle with dry clutch, or a 4-speed power shuttle with torque converter and hydraulic clutch packs. The power shuttle is the source of most documented drivetrain failures.

What kind of brakes does the 580B have?

External contracting band brakes on each rear axle — the same architecture as the 580CK, 480CK, 480B, 530CK, and 430CK. Bonded-disc-in-drum brakes did not arrive on the 580 line until the 580C in 1975.

How deep does the 580B backhoe dig?

Approximately 14 feet with the standard backhoe attachment, or about 18 feet with the Extendahoe option.

Where is the serial number on a Case 580B?

Stamped on a data plate on the left side of the dashboard inside the cab, or alternately on the left frame rail under the cab door. The engine serial is stamped separately on the left side of the engine block.

What parts cross between the 580B and the 580CK?

The G188D engine and all internals, brake bands and linings, rear axle bull gears and ring-and-pinion sets, front axle 2WD spindles and steering arms, the power shuttle drivetrain components, and many hydraulic cylinders (split-piston G3 design). The 580B and 580CK are the most heavily cross-fit Case backhoe pair Case ever produced.

Is the 580B the same as the 580C?

No. The 580C replaced the 580B in 1975 and brought several major changes: a larger Case G207D 207-cubic-inch diesel engine, bonded-disc-in-drum brakes replacing the external bands, and the start of the G1 one-piece hydraulic piston transition (early 580Cs still use G3 split-piston). Many bucket-link, swing-tower, and chassis parts still cross between the two.