Part of the Case IH Repair Manuals.
Connecting the tractor heads the drive system chapter of this 780-page Case IH 8580 service manual PDF (Rac 7-81140), written for the large rectangular baler and carrying through the main drive shaft, main drive clutch, flywheel brake and gearbox. Wiring is split by generation: electrical schematics and troubleshooting for balers with early production electronics sit apart from those for late production electronics, so you work from the set that matches your machine. Hydraulic schematics trace the bale density circuit and pickup lift circuit before the chapter moves on to control valves, cylinders and the accumulator system. Set stripper arm travel to 13/16 to 7/8 in (20 to 22 mm) and hold pickup drive chain deflection at 1/2 in (12 mm). You may be here for the pickup clutch or the knotter. Both have chapters of their own. Bookmarked by chapter and searchable by text, the file is yours to keep once bought, ready for every knotter adjustment and hydraulic check on this 8580.
What's Inside This Case IH 8580 Manual
| System | Pages | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| General | 3-54 | Introduction, Safety Rules, Machine Specifications, Torque Specifications, Maintenance, Lubrication, Decals |
| Drive System | 55-156 | Drive Line, Main Drive Shaft, Main Drive Clutch, Flywheel, Flywheel Brake, Gearbox, Auxiliary Drives |
| Pickup | 157-198 | Pickup Operation, Gauge Wheels, Troubleshooting, Pickup Clutch, Augers, Reel |
| Electrical System | 199-414 | Electrical Schematics, Troubleshooting, Early Production Electronics, Late Production Electronics |
| Feeder and Plunger | 415-480 | Packer, Stuffer, Plunger |
| Knotter System | 481-590 | Knotter, Twine Installation, Twine Tension, Billhook, Twine Knife, Stripper Arm, Twine Disc, Needle Installation |
| Mainframe, Bale Tension, Wheels | 591-618 | Mainframe, Bale Tension System, Stationary Hay Dogs, Wear Plates, Stationary Knives, Plunger Rails, Bale Tension Arms, Bale Tension Rollers |
| Hydraulic System | 619-720 | Hydraulic System Operation, Schematics, Control Valves, Cylinders, Accumulator Hydraulic System, Bale Density Circuit, Pickup Lift Circuit |
| Optional Equipment | 721-780 | Centralized Lubrication System, Accumulator, Bale Weight System, Bale Chute |
Quick Reference Specifications
| Specification | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Billhook opening force | 10 to 20 LBS (44 to 90 N) | p. 521 |
| Stripper arm travel | 13/16 to 7/8 IN (20 to 22 mm) | p. 525 |
| Pickup drive chain deflection | 1/2 IN (12 mm) | p. 162 |
| Right auger drive chain deflection | 1/2 IN (12 mm) | p. 162 |
| Hitch ball socket head cap screw torque | 44 LB-FT (60 N-m) | p. 60 |
| Clamp yoke bolt torque (5/8 bolt) | 150 LB-FT (205 N-m) | p. 63 |
| Baler control valve cartridge torque | 30 LB-FT (41 N-m) | p. 700 |
| Plunger crank to gearbox bolt torque | 910 LB-FT (1230 N-m) | p. 22 |
| Plunger crank to gearbox jam nut torque | 400 LB-FT (524 N-m) | p. 22 |
| Gearbox lubricant quantity | 20 U.S. quarts (18.8 L) | p. 26 |
| Gearbox temperature switch setting | 160° to 175° F (71° to 80° C) | p. 13 |
| Gearbox Oil Capacity | 20 U.S. quarts (18.8 L) | p. 26 |
Case IH 8580 Common Problems This Manual Covers
Case IH 8580 knotter missing ties with knots staying on the billhook too long
Inspect the knot while cycling the baler by hand or at tractor idle; never adjust twine tensioners with the baler running (page 11). Following page 505, tighten the bottom twine tensioner springs and the twine holder spring bolt, no more than 1/6 turn at a time (page 527). Set the stripper arm to lightly rub the billhook and check travel against 13/16 to 7/8 IN (20 to 22 mm) on page 525.
Manual Section: Knotter System Troubleshooting p. 505Packing finger clutch slipping excessively and console showing FEEDER CLUTCH SLIP in light crop
Check windrows first: damp, lumpy rows or driving off center will slip it, so drive the center per the driving meter and cut ground speed. Before adjusting, disengage the PTO, stop the engine, take the key, and apply the flywheel brake (page 20). Following page 166, adjust the packer clutch and verify pickup clutch adjustment, without fully compressing the clutch springs (page 162). Adjust a loose stuffer brake or tight stuffer sensor door.
Manual Section: Pickup Troubleshooting p. 166Flywheel shearbolt shearing excessively when baling large flakes with a high plunger load setting
Verify the flywheel has stopped and the flywheel brake is applied before touching the shear system (page 11). Following page 94, install only a genuine factory Grade 5 shearbolt and nut, tighten the nut to correct torque, and set the bushing tight and flush. Check that the main drive clutch slips slightly each plunger stroke, reduce plunger load or ground speed, and run 1000 rpm PTO (page 95).
Manual Section: Flywheel Shearbolt Troubleshooting p. 94Gearbox temperature switch tripping and baler control console indicating gearbox too hot
Check gearbox oil level with the PTO disengaged, engine off, key removed, and flywheel brake applied (page 20), then fill as required; capacity is 20 U.S. quarts (18.8 L) per page 26. Inspect seals for leakage and clear crop buildup around the gearbox. Following page 103, run the Switch Tests: contacts must open above 170° F (75° C) and close below 150° F (65° C). A disconnected switch also shows the warning (page 219).
Manual Section: Gearbox Temperature Troubleshooting p. 103Implement drive line (IDL) drive shaft making excessive noise at the universal joints
Check drawbar dimensions and hitch points, then adjust the carrier bearing support until universal joint angles are equal (page 67). Lubricate a dry IDL slip tube, straighten bent shielding, and replace worn joints or splined parts; never run with driveline shields removed (page 11). Torque a 5/8 clamp yoke bolt to 150 LB-FT (205 N-m) or two 1/2 bolts to 76 LB-FT (105 N-m) per page 63; a loose yoke can slip off.
Manual Section: Implement Drive Line Troubleshooting p. 67Pickup leaving crop behind and failing to pick up the windrow clean
Adjust the pickup height control linkage rod so tines ride about 1-1/2 to 2 IN (38 to 51 mm) above ground, following page 167. With the PTO disengaged, engine off, key removed, and flywheel brake applied (page 20), replace bent or broken tines and check the tine angle control arm and pickup cam bearing. Slow ground speed or rake larger windrows, and bale in the direction the crop was windrowed.
Manual Section: Pickup Troubleshooting p. 167Frequently Asked Questions
What are the recommended service intervals for the Case IH 8580 baler?
Maintenance intervals are based on bale counts and operating hours. Daily maintenance includes checking fasteners, lubricating points, and checking tire pressure. Every 50 hours, check wheel nut torque. Every 1000 bales, check the needle protection linkage. After the first 1000 bales, tighten plunger crank bolts to 910 LB-FT (1230 N-m). p. 21
What is the gearbox oil capacity and recommended lubricant for the Case IH 8580?
The gearbox requires 20 U.S. quarts (18.8 L) of Case IH 135 HEP Gear Lube 85W 140. p. 26
What is the torque specification for the wheel nuts on the Case IH 8580 baler?
The wheel nuts for the baler should be tightened to a torque of 425 to 450 LB-FT (575 to 610 N-m). p. 13
How do I adjust the flywheel shearbolt?
To replace the shearbolt, manually rotate the flywheel to align the bushing in the flywheel with the hole in the shear arm. Install the new shearbolt and nut, ensuring the head of the bolt is toward the gearbox. Tighten the nut to 45 LB-FT (61 N-m). p. 93
What is the procedure for adjusting the stuffer brake?
With the stuffer fingers in the parked position, apply the flywheel brake and adjust the length of each stuffer brake spring to 1.34 IN (34 mm), measuring between the brake disc plate and the washer. After adjusting, operate the baler for 30 minutes to one hour and check for excessive heat; if the brake becomes too hot, crop coming in contact with the stuffer brake can catch on fire. p. 442
How quickly can I access this Case IH 8580 manual after buying?
You get a 780-page searchable PDF that downloads instantly after checkout. Open it on your laptop, tablet, or phone, and bring it right to the shop floor.
Can I print specific sections of this Case IH 8580 Service Manual?
Yes. Print a chapter or just the pages for the job at hand, for use in your own shop. Any home or office printer works.

















