We have a 2004 ish Case 580 SuperM that we purchased a year go, with only about 2300 Hrs on it, Ser.# JJG0375859, a good running machine too. We recently got a Cat 318B excavator which we run on the Cat controls & the Case 580 SM is on JD controls. Can anyone help us with information on how to switch it to Cat? It likely has a valve somewhere to change position on?
Does it have pilot controls?
The only ones that have a switchable pattern are the pilot control excavator style controls , the center mounted consoles between your legs have control rods that work their respective spools. If it happens to be an excavator pilot control, simply change the yellow lit switch below the actuator switch on the RH stalk to the other position and the pattern will change I have changed many in situations such as yours, Remove the shrouding that covers the linkage area and you will see which rod controls which spool. Get some stiff 3/8th rod and make new rods to crisscross side to side to get the lever pattern that is desired. Sure as the world someone is going to tell you to just change hoses. This completely defeats the protection circuits in the valve body for these two circuits as there are drastic differences in the secondary relief pressures. Boom down pressure is set to just barely pick the machine off the ground to keep the operator from getting into a dangerous situation and this lower pressure would then be in effect on the dipper circuit. For your own safety and the good of the machine never replumb hoses to change pattern. Mel
Forgot to mention....no pilot controls.
Ok, thanks for the information re the pressures differential on the circuits. Sounds like changing the hoses is out! What kind of ends are on the rods, which potentially can be modified? Thanks, Metalman
Change the rods going from the levers to the valves
Why didn't you just change the excavator over since you had the backhoe first? Sorry, I'm biased. I run backhoe controls. Can't stand ISO.
Metalman, I just heat the end of the rod red hot with a torch and flatten a big enough area on the rod so it will go in the slot in the spool end and drill a hole for the spool pin. The other end you will run a 3/8 NF die on a few inches to accept the Heim joint off the original rod. Like I said on the rear window glass replacement,"so simple even a cave man can do it" lol. Mel