Model Spotlight

Case 580E & 580 Super E: Specs, Parts & Common Issues

Produced 1983 through 1987 — the model where Case moved the 580 line off its own G207 engine family and onto the Cummins 4-390 (4B 3.9L). Mechanical and power shuttle drivetrains, 2WD or Carraro 4WD, bonded-disc-in-drum brakes (with a wet-disc transition on late Super E units anticipating the 580K).

BT

Broken Tractor Editorial Team• Updated May 2026• 11 min read

The Case 580E and 580 Super E ran from 1983 through 1987, with the 580K succeeding both variants in 1987 (introducing a major chassis redesign and the wet-disc brake architecture). The defining change between the 580D / Super D generation and the 580E / Super E generation is the engine: Case moved the 580 line off its own G207D / G207TD 207-cubic-inch family and onto the Cummins 4-390 (Cummins 4B 3.9L, 239 cubic inches). This is the same engine that powered the contemporary 480E and stayed in the Case backhoe line through the 580 Super L generation.

The 580E and 580 Super E share the same Cummins 4-390 engine, the same chassis, the same brake architecture (with one late-Super-E exception noted below), and the same transmission options. The Super E variant is differentiated primarily by the Extendahoe option, heavier loader specifications, and more common 4WD availability. Case used the badging inconsistently — it's common to find a machine with a "580E" decal but a serial plate stamped "580 Super E," or vice versa. For parts ordering, the serial plate stamp is the source of truth.

At-a-glance specifications

Where to find the serial number plate

The 580E / Super E tractor serial is 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 Cummins 4-390 engine carries its own serial stamp on the engine block. Case applied the "580E" and "580 Super E" badging inconsistently — many machines have the wrong decal for what the serial plate actually stamps. Read the data plate to confirm which variant you have.

Production years and serial numbers

The Case 580E and 580 Super E were produced from 1983 through 1987. The 580K replaced both variants in 1987 with a major chassis redesign, JJG-prefix serial numbers, and the start of the wet-disc brake era proper.

The serial format shifts mid-production from the older numeric "9-prefix" range to the longer "17-prefix" range that continued briefly into the early 580K (before JJG replaced it).

Engine and powertrain

Both 580E and 580 Super E are powered by the Case 4-390 — Case's catalog designation for the Cummins 4B 3.9L four-cylinder naturally aspirated indirect-injection diesel. 239 cubic inches (3.9 L), bore 4.02 in × stroke 4.72 in. Rated 69 HP gross / 63 HP net at 2,200 rpm, with 181 lb-ft of torque at 1,200 rpm.

The fuel system on early 580Es typically uses a Lucas / CAV DPA rotary injection pump; later builds may have shifted to a Stanadyne DB-series pump. Injector lines differ between the two — verify your IP type before ordering injector lines or pump seal kits. Both 580E and 580 Super E are naturally aspirated in this production era; the turbocharged Cummins 4T-390 did not arrive in the 580 line until the later 580 Super L.

Brakes (and the late-Super-E wet-disc transition)

The standard 580E and Super E brake architecture is hydraulically actuated bonded discs running inside drum housings — carried forward from the 580D. Two master cylinders feed slave cylinders on each side of the rear axle that apply the bonded disc against the drum. Use Hy-Tran hydraulic oil in the brake circuit — DOT brake fluid will destroy the O-rings.

However, late-production 580 Super E units appear to have transitioned to wet-disc multi-plate brakes ahead of the 580K's full adoption. Two brake-disc SKUs in the catalog are explicitly labeled "for 580 Super E, 580K Backhoes (Wet Brakes)":

• 1342285C1 — Metallic Brake Disc for 580 Super E, 580K
• A52252 — Steel Brake Disc for 580 Super E, 580K (Wet Brakes)

This means a transition-era Super E (likely 1986–1987 build) may be running the early wet-disc system. Inspect the brake assembly visually before ordering brake parts — if you see a wet sealed transaxle housing with a stack of friction discs rather than a separate drum housing with a single bonded disc, you're on the wet-disc system.

Transmission options

Two transmission configurations offered factory:

• 4-speed synchronized mechanical shuttle — single dry clutch, manual shuttle lever for forward/reverse.
• 4-speed power shuttle — torque converter and hydraulically actuated forward/reverse clutch packs. No foot clutch required for shuttle changes; an inching pedal modulates engagement pressure. The power shuttle is the most commonly rebuilt drivetrain component on these machines.

Top travel speed on the power shuttle is approximately 21.9 mph forward and 19.6 mph reverse in 4th gear.

580E vs. 580 Super E — practical differences

The two variants share enough that Case used a single 176-page operator's manual covering both. For parts ordering, the practical decision points are: which brake architecture do I have, do I have 2WD or 4WD, and is this an Extendahoe-equipped machine.

Common problems documented by owners

Power shuttle forward clutch burn-up

The most-reported drivetrain failure on power-shuttle 580E and Super E units. Forward clutch wears first (the loader does most of its work in forward); reverse pack usually still looks fresh at teardown. Burned friction material contaminates the entire shuttle and the torque converter — always flush the oil cooler when rebuilding or the new clutches will fail in hours. Symptoms: slipping or dropping out in forward, metal in the shuttle pan strainer.

Cummins 4-390 head gasket weep

The most-reported engine complaint on the 580E. Head gasket commonly weeps between cylinders 3 and 4 at the front of the head — coolant in the oil or external seepage at the deck. Replace with a Cummins 4B head gasket set and re-torque to spec in the correct sequence. Frequently triggered by deferred cooling-system maintenance or overheating from a clogged radiator.

CAV / Stanadyne injection pump fade

The rotary IP develops mounting-flange weep, internal coupling wear, and delivery-valve sticking at high hours. Symptoms: hard hot starts, weak power, intermittent stalling. Lucas / CAV and Stanadyne builds have different rebuild paths — confirm pump type before ordering parts.

Brake master and slave cylinder failure

Sponge pedal that won't hold, fluid loss, one-side-only operation. Bore pitting from age and from wrong-fluid use (DOT brake fluid instead of Hy-Tran) is the most common cause. Replacement (not rebuild) is the practical fix.

Steering motor / orbital wear

Loss of lock-to-lock control, drift, or excessive play at the wheel. The 5-line hydraulic steering motor is the common replacement. Note that 4WD machines use a different power-steering cylinder than 2WD machines.

4WD Carraro axle wear

On 4WD-equipped Super Es, planetary hubs, king pins, planetary gear pins, and tie rod ends are documented high-hour wear items. Clunking from the front end during turns is the early warning; grease leaking from the planetary hub is late-stage.

Pin and bushing wear

Loader pivots, swing tower, dipper-to-boom, bucket-to-dipper, and Extendahoe extension pins — universal at this age. Complete pin and bushing kits for every joint are stocked.

Hydraulic pump coupler spline wear

Deteriorated rubber motor mounts allow engine sag, which misaligns the pump drive coupler and strips the splines. Replace mounts whenever servicing the pump.

Verified replacement parts

Browse by 580E / Super E-fit category

• Brakes — 480E LL, 480F LL, 580E, 580 Super E, 584E, 586E
• 580E / Super E / 580K Before JJG20000 (transition era)
• Hydraulic Cylinder Seal Kits — 580C, 580D, 580E, 580 Super E
• 4WD Front Axle Parts — 580 Super E
• 580 Super E Pin Kits — all joints
• Case 580 Super E Backhoe Filters
• Case Backhoe Parts — full catalog

Maintenance schedule

Related Case backhoe models

Frequently asked questions

What years were the Case 580E and 580 Super E made?

1983 through 1987. The 580K succeeded both variants in 1987 with a major chassis redesign.

What engine is in a Case 580E?

The Case 4-390 — Case's name for the Cummins 4B 3.9L four-cylinder naturally aspirated diesel. 239 cubic inches, 69 HP gross / 63 HP net at 2,200 rpm. The same engine as the 580 Super E and the contemporary 480E.

Is the 580E the same as the 580 Super E?

They share the same engine, chassis, drivetrain, and most parts. The Super E variant is differentiated by the Extendahoe option, heavier loader specifications, and more common 4WD. Case used the badging inconsistently — a 580E decal doesn't always match the serial plate stamp. Read the data plate to confirm.

Does the 580E have a power shuttle?

Both options were offered factory. Synchronized 4-speed mechanical shuttle with dry clutch, or 4-speed power shuttle with torque converter and hydraulic clutch packs.

Does the 580E have wet-disc brakes?

Standard 580E and Super E units use hydraulically actuated bonded discs running in drum housings — same as the 580D. Late-production Super E units (likely 1986–1987 builds) may have transitioned to wet-disc multi-plate brakes ahead of the 580K's full adoption. Inspect the brake assembly visually before ordering — if you see a sealed transaxle housing with multiple friction plates rather than a separate drum housing, you have the wet-disc transition system.

Does the 580E have 4WD?

4WD was offered as a factory option on both 580E and 580 Super E (more commonly on the Super E). The 4WD axle is a Carraro planetary axle — the same axle family used on the 480E, 580K, and 590 Super L. Confirm 2WD vs. 4WD before ordering front-end parts.

What is the difference between the Cummins 4-390 and the 4T-390?

The 4-390 is the naturally aspirated Cummins 4B 3.9L used on the 580E and 580 Super E (and the 480E and 480F). The 4T-390 is the turbocharged version, which arrived in the 580 line later with the 580 Super L and 590 Super L. There is no turbocharged 580E or Super E from the factory.

How deep does the 580E backhoe dig?

14 feet 2 inches with the standard backhoe attachment, or 18 feet 3 inches with the Extendahoe extended.

Where is the serial number on a Case 580E?

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 Cummins 4-390 engine carries its own serial stamp on the engine block.