Case CX290 Hydraulic Excavator: The Foundational 29-Ton Original CX
The Case CX290 is the foundational 29-ton class machine in the Original CX excavator generation. It sits between the smaller CX260-class machines and the later CX290B in Case’s full-size excavator lineup, and it set the platform pattern that subsequent B, C, and D generations refined.
Where the CX290 fits in the Case excavator line
The CX290 is a 29-ton class Original-generation Case excavator. It sits between the smaller CX-class machines and the later CX290B in Case’s full-size excavator lineup, and the Original CX platform established the conventional-tail-swing, hydrostatic dual-path, steel-track configuration that subsequent generations carried forward.
Case CX290 Excavator - Quick Specs
- Class
- 29-Ton Excavator
- Generation
- Original CX
- Engine
- Tier 2 Diesel
- Drivetrain
- Hydrostatic Dual-Path
- Undercarriage
- Steel Track
- Tail Swing
- Conventional
- Serial Plate
- Frame near boom base (left); cab data plate
- Successor
- CX290B
Engine, hydraulics, and drivetrain
The CX290 runs a Tier 2 diesel through a hydrostatic dual-path drivetrain into a steel-track undercarriage. The main hydraulic pump (commonly a load-sensing piston pump) drives boom, dipper, bucket, swing, and propel circuits through electrohydraulic control valves. Conventional-tail-swing geometry gives the operator the counterweight mass needed for full reach work without the compromises of a short-tail design.
The swing system uses a dedicated swing motor and planetary reduction gear riding on a slewing bearing. The propel circuit drives final-drive planetary reduction gearboxes on each side of the undercarriage - independent track control for steering and counter-rotation.
Common service items on the CX290
- Engine internals: Tier 2 diesel - pistons, rings, sleeves, head gaskets, bearings.
- Fuel system: Injectors, lift pump, primary and secondary filters with tight water-separator standards.
- Cooling system: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan, charge-air cooler on turbo builds, hoses, belts.
- Hydraulic system: Boom, dipper, bucket, and swing cylinder seal kits; main pump rebuild; electrohydraulic control valves; hoses.
- Boom and dipper: Pin and bushing service at every joint, bucket pins, thumb attachment hardware, quick coupler service.
- Undercarriage: Steel track inspection and replacement, rollers, idlers, drive sprockets, recoil springs.
- Swing system: Swing motor and reduction gear service, swing bearing inspection, swing brake.
- Electrical / ECU: Engine ECU, instrument cluster, sensors, harness.
- Cab glass and wiper: Service items such as KHN16820 24-inch wiper blade, KHN3046 front lower glass, and KHN2632 front upper glass cross-fit across Case and Link-Belt excavators.
- Operator station: Seat, joystick controls, pedal linkage, instrument panel, cab HVAC.
Parts we carry for the Case CX290
| Category | Common Parts | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Tier 2 diesel internals - pistons, rings, sleeves, gaskets | Browse Engine |
| Fuel System | Injectors, lift pump, filters, water separator | Browse Fuel System |
| Cooling | Radiator, water pump, charge-air cooler, hoses | Browse Cooling |
| Hydraulics | Main pump, swing motor, cylinders, seal kits, valves | Browse Hydraulics |
| Boom / Dipper | Pins, bushings, bucket and quick-coupler hardware | Browse Boom / Dipper |
| Undercarriage | Steel tracks, rollers, idlers, sprockets, recoil springs | Browse Undercarriage |
| Swing | Swing motor, reduction gear, swing bearing | Browse Swing |
| Cab Glass / Wiper | KHN16820 wiper, KHN3046 lower glass, KHN2632 upper glass (Case/Link-Belt cross-fit) | KHN16820 Wiper Blade |
| Electrical / ECU | ECU, sensors, harness, instrument cluster | Browse Electrical |
| Operator Station | Seat, joysticks, pedal linkage, gauges | Browse Operator Station |
Need a part for your Case CX290 Excavator?
Hydraulic pumps, swing motors, undercarriage components, and cab glass are the highest-value items on a CX290. Call our parts team with your serial number.
Request a PartWhat to verify before ordering
- Machine serial number. Confirm the serial on the CX290 before ordering year-specific parts.
- Engine serial. Engine internal parts must match the engine serial number, not the machine serial.
- Hydraulic cylinder bore. Cylinder seal kit fit depends on bore dimension - measure before ordering.
- Main pump variant. Load-sensing piston pump part numbers can vary across the production run.
- ECU calibration. Injectors and ECU sensors are calibrated to specific build configurations.
- Bucket and quick coupler. Quick-coupler interface varies - confirm the coupler pattern before ordering attachment-side hardware.
- Undercarriage configuration. Track shoe width and chain pitch options existed - confirm before ordering replacement chains or shoes.
Why the CX290 still earns a paycheck
The Case CX290 is a 29-ton class production excavator suited to general site work, utility installation, residential and commercial earthmoving, and mining or quarry support depending on configuration. The Original CX platform is well-supported by the dealer network and aftermarket, and 29-ton machines remain one of the most useful size classes for a mixed-work contractor.
Maintenance priorities on a CX290: clean fuel and tight water separation for the injection system, hydraulic oil cleanliness for main-pump and valve longevity, swing-bearing lubrication on schedule, steel-track tension and undercarriage wear monitoring, and pin and bushing service at the boom and dipper joints. Broken Tractor maintains parts coverage across the Case excavator family - Original CX, B, C, and D generations.
