Case 580K no drive at rear wheels

[Hossman72]

Hey Guys,
I am brand new to the forum and to heavy equipment actually. I bought a 1989 580K over the winter and had some issues with it last weekend moving some dirt around. I have never owned a backhoe or any construction equipment before so pardon my lack of knowledge. So - it worked well for a few days and then the rear wheels stopped driving. It's a 4X4 model, the front wheels still turn without issue, thankfully they got the machine back to it's designated place. I am guessing an issue with the rear differential, since it seems that the transmission & transfer case are still giving me power to the fronts. I was not operating it at the time, so I can't say for sure if there were any telltale signs prior to the failure. Now, when trying to drive the rear wheels there is a low 'grumble' you can hear from about directly under the drivers seat. Any common issues like this? I am going to start digging into it very soon but you guys undoubtedly already have some ideas or maybe had something similar happen on your old 580s. Thanks in advance for any assistance or pointers! - Chris

 

[Tinkerer]

Welcome to HEF, Hossman !
It is hard to give a definite answer over the internet. But, what you describe indicates a problem in the differential. Ring and pinion gears perhaps.
Drain the oil and look for pieces and shiny stuff in it.
The online parts book has valuable information and you will need a service manual sooner than later.
Here is a link to the parts book -->580k's
You will need to determine which model you have !

 

[Hossman72]

Thanks for the quick reply Tinkerer! We'll pull that oil plug and expect to see some gnarly bits flow out with the oil, assuming that there is oil in there. I will have to get a serial number off the old girl to make sure of the 580k in question and consult the parts book. And yeah, a service manual is probably worth the $$.... Was hoping to get just a couple projects done before I go over it thoroughly in hopes of it lasting another 30 years or so.

 

[Tinkerer]

I have both the Phase I & III service manuals.
Phase I -- Operators Manual only. I don't have the Phase III operators manual.
If your tractor serial number is JJG0020000 or below it is a phase I.
Send me your email address in a Private Message (PM) and I will give you access to download them.

 

[Tags]

I’m not sure but didn’t the earlier Ks have an issue with the axle splines stripping out or something like that?

 

[Coy Lancaster]

I’m not sure but didn’t the earlier Ks have an issue with the axle splines stripping out or something like that?

Yeah some of the side gears would break teeth.

 

[Coy Lancaster]

Hey Guys,
I am brand new to the forum and to heavy equipment actually. I bought a 1989 580K over the winter and had some issues with it last weekend moving some dirt around. I have never owned a backhoe or any construction equipment before so pardon my lack of knowledge. So - it worked well for a few days and then the rear wheels stopped driving. It's a 4X4 model, the front wheels still turn without issue, thankfully they got the machine back to it's designated place. I am guessing an issue with the rear differential, since it seems that the transmission & transfer case are still giving me power to the fronts. I was not operating it at the time, so I can't say for sure if there were any telltale signs prior to the failure. Now, when trying to drive the rear wheels there is a low 'grumble' you can hear from about directly under the drivers seat. Any common issues like this? I am going to start digging into it very soon but you guys undoubtedly already have some ideas or maybe had something similar happen on your old 580s. Thanks in advance for any assistance or pointers! - Chris

Before you drain oil jack rear wheels off ground and put shuttle in gear see if wheels turn then. If they do then see which one you can stop turning whichever one that's usually the side gear that's bad.

 

[alrman]

We really need to know if this is a Phase 1 or 3 as 1989 is around the change
The two transaxles are vastly different.
Serial number please or does the 4 speed shift lever come from floor or through dash?

(wish I had a $1 every time I've asked that question... )

 

[Hossman72]

Hey Guys, thanks for the replies! I have the shifter through the floor version (I assume phase 1), I have seen a 'dash' shifter version, my neighbor has one of those, mine is more 'old school'. I had a look at the exploded view of the transaxle, I assume by side gears you mean the bull gears that are in the axle assemblies? I will get those wheels off the ground and do a quick check before touching anything - great tip.

 

[alrman]

Hmmm..... my money is on the crownwheel & pinion.
After you decide to drain the oil, pull the rear cover plate & have a peek inside.

 

[Hossman72]

Everything is pointing to the ring gear and pinion though that is just from studying the drawings. Anyone ever replaced these? I imagine it will be quite a process... thanks all! I will be back at my camp this weekend and will report back incase anyone is interested in the outcome.

 

[Hossman72]

We got the transaxle out of the machine and that pinion is indeed stripped. Found some other interesting things in the process too. Lol. We're headed back home from camp today with the transaxle in the trailer so I can fix it inside instead of on the ground. Thanks guys for all the help! - Chris