Hello,
The reason you see the 1085C (from CASE) and 1085D (from Badger) models as identical is because they belong to the same product line, and there was a transfer of technology ownership between the two companies.
In fact, Badger was the company that took over and continued producing this line of excavators after CASE ceased development. Below is the specific context of this connection:
1. The Origin of the "Cruz-Air" (Wheel-Terrain Excavator)
This line of excavators was not originally created by CASE or Badger, but originated from Drott Manufacturing. Drott is famous for its "Cruz-Air" excavators, which have excellent rough-terrain capabilities.
• Early Stage: CASE acquired Drott in 1968. After this acquisition, Drott excavators were renamed Case-Drott, and later CASE.
• CASE 1085C Phase: Under the CASE brand, the Cruz-Air line flourished with popular models such as the 1085B and 1085C (commonly produced in the 1990s).
2. The Transfer to Badger
Around the late 1990s and early 2000s, CASE decided to restructure its product portfolio and cease production of the Cruz-Air line to focus on other standard wheeled excavators.
• Badger Acquisition: Badger Equipment Company (based in Minnesota, USA) acquired the design rights, technology, and the "Cruz-Air" brand from CASE.
• The Introduction of the Badger 1085D: After the acquisition, Badger continued to produce this model based on CASE's old design, but upgraded it to a new version. That's why the 1085D version bears the Badger brand but has an appearance, chassis, and boom system that are almost identical to the earlier CASE 1085C.
Summary of Basic Differences
Although they look similar mechanically, these two models usually differ in some upgrades over time:
• CASE 1085C: An older version (usually produced before 2000), using an older generation CASE/Cummins engine.
• Badger 1085D: A successor version (usually produced from the early 2000s onwards), often equipped with a newer generation engine (e.g., Cummins Tier II or Tier III) to meet new emissions standards, and may have some minor improvements in the hydraulic system.
Based on the technical data, we can summarize the most important parameters and how to obtain the correct replacement documentation for your job:
1. Most Important Documentation: Engine (The Biggest Difference)
The biggest difference between the 1085C and 1085D lies in the engine.
• Model 1085C: Uses a CASE engine.
• Model 1085D: Most models use the Cummins 6BT5.9 (Turbocharged) engine.
Advice: Instead of searching for "Badger 1085D excavator manual" (which is very difficult to find), look for the repair manual for the Cummins 6BT5.9 engine. This is an extremely popular engine model, and the documentation is readily available. It will help you address the "heart" of the machine in your work.
2. Key Specifications of the Badger 1085D
You can use these specifications to compare with the 1085C:
• Engine: Cummins 6BT 5.9 (approximately 133 HP - 160 HP depending on Tier II/III model).
• Operating weight: Approximately 42,980 lbs (~19.5 tons).
• Travel dimensions: Length ~10.6m (34'9") x Width ~2.6m (8'6") x Height ~3.55m (11'8").
• Hydraulic system: Retains the characteristic "Cruz-Air" design of the C series, so the hydraulic schematic of the 1085C you have is still highly valuable for reference for the boom and travel sections, differing only in the main pump installed on the Cummins engine.
3. Sources for original documentation
If you absolutely need the original Badger 1085D Parts Manual/Service Manual to look up parts codes, you have two options:
• Contact the manufacturer:
Badger is currently owned by Manitex International. You can email Manitex's technical support department (they usually have PDF files of these older models) or Badger Equipment, LLC (
https://www.badgerequipllc.com/)
• Buy from eBay: I've seen some people selling Badger parts manuals on eBay. Ebay, but usually old paper copies.
In short: With the 1085C documentation you already have + the Cummins 6BT5.9 engine documentation (easily found online), you already have about 90-95% of the necessary knowledge about this 1085D machine.
