1974 Case 580B serial number and purchasing questions

TroyFord4500 · Mar 31, 2019

Hello All!

I'm looking at purchasing a 1974 Case 580B, the gentleman wants $6,000 which seams to be a good price to me .. he gave me a pictures of the serial number, my question is what is the "R" for? Going by the number, it falls into the 1974 build date.

I beleive it has a 188 in it, havent been able to verify that, the machine is 3 hours away. The dash gauges dont work, from what I've read its important to be able to see that clutch pressure before purchasing, but obviously I wont be able to do that. I've also read do get it started and pull the dip stick to watch for excessive blow by.

I guess my question is any info anyone could give me before I throw the money at this unit, and not know enough and end up with a lemon. What is the "R" on the ID and what are some good checks to do when I go to look at the machine?

Thanks for any info and advice!!

the numbers on the plate are:

580BCK
8743553 R

DJ54 · Mar 31, 2019

If it's good & tight on pins & bushings, hours aren't too high, and 2-3 extra buckets with it, it's an OK price.

I've looked in the Case Construction online parts book, and see no reference to the letter R following the serial number. To get the answer you're looking for, it'd probably be best to call a Case Construction dealer, and ask the parts guy, and hope he/they have been around for a few years, that would know. At least you have the serial number, you'll need that if you need parts. Case is famous for part changes at certain serial number breaks.

If it's a '74 model, and a diesel, it should be a 188D. Unless someone has switched it out, the 188D, or the 159 spark engine was all the parts book shows to be available at that time. The 188D is a great engine, although a bit cold natured if the temps get down in the mid-30's. The '74 model should have a manifold heater on it, and hopefully it works. New one's are $160, and change. Later models have an ether assist start. My 480C has a strong engine, but won't start unless you give it just a whiff of ether sprayed in the general direction the intake cap. Doesn't take much.

Definitely check the brakes also. Look underneath at the actual brake chambers, and look for oil dripping from them. About all Case tractors with that style disc brakes, either industrial, or Ag., are notorious for the differential bearing carrier seal leaking, and soaking the brake discs. It's not a terribly expensive, or hard job to do, just takes some time. You can take a propane torch, and boil the oil out of the discs. Just hang them out somewhere where there is ample fresh air, as they do smoke..!! The last I saw, seals were around $16 each. And, only do one side at a time, if you ever have to do that job.

If you do happen to buy it, spend the extra money for an OEM shop manual. It will be the best money you'll spend, if you need to make repairs. No need for a parts manual, as you can reference that online, through Case Construction. Official Case Construction Equipment Online Parts Store and Parts Look Up. Parts for Case Equipment and Construction Equipment. Parts Store for Case Wheel Loaders, Case Excavators, Case Skid Steers, Case Original Parts.

fried1765 · Mar 31, 2019

DJ54 said:
If it's good & tight on pins & bushings, hours aren't too high, and 2-3 extra buckets with it, it's an OK price.

I've looked in the Case Construction online parts book, and see no reference to the letter R following the serial number. To get the answer you're looking for, it'd probably be best to call a Case Construction dealer, and ask the parts guy, and hope he/they have been around for a few years, that would know. At least you have the serial number, you'll need that if you need parts. Case is famous for part changes at certain serial number breaks.

If it's a '74 model, and a diesel, it should be a 188D. Unless someone has switched it out, the 188D, or the 159 spark engine was all the parts book shows to be available at that time. The 188D is a great engine, although a bit cold natured if the temps get down in the mid-30's. The '74 model should have a manifold heater on it, and hopefully it works. New one's are $160, and change. Later models have an ether assist start. My 480C has a strong engine, but won't start unless you give it just a whiff of ether sprayed in the general direction the intake cap. Doesn't take much.

Definitely check the brakes also. Look underneath at the actual brake chambers, and look for oil dripping from them. About all Case tractors with that style disc brakes, either industrial, or Ag., are notorious for the differential bearing carrier seal leaking, and soaking the brake discs. It's not a terribly expensive, or hard job to do, just takes some time. You can take a propane torch, and boil the oil out of the discs. Just hang them out somewhere where there is ample fresh air, as they do smoke..!! The last I saw, seals were around $16 each. And, only do one side at a time, if you ever have to do that job.

If you do happen to buy it, spend the extra money for an OEM shop manual. It will be the best money you'll spend, if you need to make repairs. No need for a parts manual, as you can reference that online, through Case Construction. Official Case Construction Equipment Online Parts Store and Parts Look Up. Parts for Case Equipment and Construction Equipment. Parts Store for Case Wheel Loaders, Case Excavators, Case Skid Steers, Case Original Parts.