Hello, I am a big fan of Case, but any of the big three ( Cat, Case, John Deere) are good machines, as well as JCB. I have a 580K, that hasn't given me any real trouble in 13 years now. I like Case, because of things like the over center backhoe design. Also the Extendahoe is designed so the stick itself extends out, as opposed to a separate section telescoping from inside the stick. Indecently, this has been incorporated into Cats new design. I like having two dump cylinders and their linkages on the loader arms, it gives me a clear view. And, starting with the 580K, Case has incorporated a quick coupler into the backhoe. You only have to pull one pin. I can change a bucket in about two minutes. Plus, there are so many Case 580 series backhoes on the planet, parts are everywhere, even NAPA. As far as four sticks, three sticks, or two, that's just preference. Four sticks are mostly all in your fingers. Three sticks are fingers and feet working together, and two are self explanatory, and the best setup in my opinion. As far as one model over another, I can't speak for Cat, John Deere, or JCB, But Cases' 580E seems to have the best reliability record, but as I said earlier, I have no complaints what so ever about my 580K. I sure others will weigh in on Cat, John Deere, and JCB.