Case 580b Overview [[ Controls, Startup, and Operating]] 

I have had this old Case 580b for about 8 years. I had never ran a backhoe before I got it. Only one time on a small backhoe attachment for a tractor. Which I was on for no longer than five minutes. The guy I purchased it from dropped it off and I was on my own. Therefore I am no expert operator. My intention with this video is only to share what I have learned along the way.
These old backhoes are a bit tricky to operate in my opinion. The leavers take a while to get the hang of, but with time you will get more fluid. It took me about a year to feel confident in what I was doing. I would run the old case most of the weekend every chance I got. Mostly digging up stumps. Which was a task for a novice like myself. I learned how to do a lot, but a lot more of what not to do.
Probably the hardest thing that I still cannot master are the swing foot control pedals. It doesn’t matter how hard I try. I can’t keep from making it creep in one direction or the other while digging. Therefore I just keep my feet completely off of them until I need to swing the bucket. The first big hole I ever dug with this backhoe I blew a swing cylinder. All because I left my feet on the pedals. Since then I have tried to master it with the same results.
Blowing a swing cylinder was a big deal for me. It was my first real fix on the backhoe. This was well beyond my skill set. I had never even worked on hydraulic cylinders, but after some time I got it off. In my opinion it is to date the hardest cylinder to get off. I then took it to a shop to get the seal repacked only to be blown away by what their price was. I found someone else and still spent $250 getting it fixed. Since the. I have learned to keep my feet off the pedals. As well as repack the cylinders myself.
I honestly do not know what I did before I got a backhoe. They make life a lot easier for so many different things. I have cleared a lot for our house to go one day, spread gravel, lifted boats, loaded equipment, and knocked down buildings. If you are looking to make the leap and purchase one. I would say if you can, go for it. I honestly do not know if I could go back to life without one. As long as you are somewhat mechanically inclined and willing to learn. You can really do a lot with a backhoe. Although if I had not done all the mechanical work and maintenance myself I don’t know if I could have justified it. Mechanics charge an arm and a leg to work on these old machines. Cylinders alone are $250-600 to just have them repacked. Just keep in mind you may have to diy when it comes to fixing things.
I have been racking my brain on what I did not cover in the video. So far I am drawing a blank. I may have to come back and change that, but for now I think I have it covered. At least without going into maintenance. Which I have a few videos on already. I mainly want to cover a few basics. This video was requested and I hope it’s not to late. I have been so busy it has gotten put off. I apologize and hope this will still help. Thank you to everyone who has watched and subscribed! I hope you enjoy!

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