Used Volvo 480Excavator

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The Volvo EC480E is a large-class crawler excavator in Volvo Construction Equipment's E-Series lineup, designed for heavy-duty applications in mining, quarrying, large-scale construction, and demolition. It sits in the 48–50 tonne operating weight class, positioned between the EC460E and EC500E.

📐 1. GENERAL OVERVIEW

Parameter	Specification
Model	Volvo EC480E
Class	Large Crawler Excavator (48–50 tonne)
Series	E-Series (Generation 3)
Production	Ongoing (launched ~2017)
Typical Applications	Mining, quarrying, heavy earthmoving, large construction, demolition

⚙️ 2. ENGINE & POWER

Specification	Detail
Engine Model	Volvo D13 Turbocharged Diesel
Displacement	12.8 liters
Rated Power	358 hp (267 kW) @ 1,800 rpm
Max Torque	1,650 Nm (1,217 lb-ft) @ 1,400 rpm
Emissions Standard	EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage V (with SCR + DPF)
Fuel Tank Capacity	~750 liters (198 US gal)
DEF Tank	~60 liters (for SCR system)

🔧 The D13 engine is known for its durability, fuel efficiency, and low emissions, featuring Volvo's I-Torque technology for optimal performance across all operating conditions.

🔧 3. HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Specification	Detail
Pump Type	2× Variable Displacement Axial Piston Pumps
Max System Pressure	350 bar (5,075 psi) / Boom circuit up to 380 bar
Total Flow	2 × 390 L/min (206 gal/min)
Swing System	Hydrostatic with dual motors
Travel Motors	Axial piston motors with planetary gear reduction

📏 4. DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

Specification	Detail
Operating Weight	~47,900 – 49,000 kg (105,600 – 108,000 lbs)
Transport Length	~11,500 mm (37.7 ft)
Transport Width	3,190 mm (10.5 ft)
Transport Height	3,390 mm (11.1 ft)
Track Gauge	2,600 mm (8.5 ft)
Track Shoe Width	600 mm (23.6 in)
Ground Clearance	~470 mm (18.5 in)
Ground Pressure	~81 kPa (11.8 psi)

💪 5. PERFORMANCE / DIGGING CAPACITY

Parameter	Measurement
Max Digging Depth	7,380 mm (24 ft 3 in)
Max Reach at Ground Level	12,220 mm (40 ft 1 in)
Max Vertical Wall Digging Depth	7,100 mm (23 ft 4 in)
Max Loading Height	10,180 mm (33 ft 5 in)
Max Dump Height	7,550 mm (24 ft 9 in)
Max Digging Reach (Boom + Stick)	~12.2 m (40 ft)
Bucket Capacity (Standard)	1.8 – 2.2 m³ (2.4 – 2.9 yd³)
Bucket Capacity (Heavy Duty)	up to 2.4 m³ (3.1 yd³)
Max Breakout Force (Boom)	~235 kN (52,800 lbf)
Max Breakout Force (Arm)	~160 kN (36,000 lbf)
Max Breakout Force (Bucket)	~200 kN (45,000 lbf)

🛡️ 6. UNDERCARRIAGE

Feature	Detail
Type	Heavy-duty steel track
Width	600 mm shoes (optional 750 mm for wet/soft ground)
Rollers	5 per side (upper) + 9 per side (lower)
Track Pitch	220 mm
Number of Track Shoes	46 per side

🔩 The undercarriage is built for extreme durability in abrasive conditions like mining and quarrying.

🏗️ 7. CAB & OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT

Feature	Detail
Cab Type	ROPS/FOPS certified, pressurized & filtered
Noise Level	~68 dB(A)
Seat	Full suspension, heated & ventilated, with armrests
Climate Control	Fully automatic air conditioning
Display	12" (30 cm) high-resolution touchscreen monitor
Camera System	Rear-view + side-view cameras (standard)
Lighting	LED work lights (front, rear, sides)
Sound System	AM/FM/Bluetooth with speakers
Visibility	Excellent all-around visibility with large glass areas

🤖 8. TECHNOLOGY & SMART FEATURES

Technology	Description
📡 Volvo Co-Pilot	Semi-automatic digging — operator controls boom/arm, machine automatically manages bucket and swing for consistent, efficient digging
📊 CareTrack™	Volvo's telematics system — real-time monitoring of location, fuel consumption, operating hours, diagnostics
& On-board Weighing	Integrated load-sensing scale for accurate material measurement
🖥️ Volvo Active Control	Boom/arm/bucket auto-positioning for faster cycle times
🔧 Volvo Fuel Save	Engine management system optimizing fuel efficiency
📱 Volvo ME (Mobile Equipment) App	Remote monitoring via smartphone
🔄 Eco-Mode	Reduces engine RPM during light-load operations to save fuel
🔌 Volvo Dig Assist (Optional)	3D machine control with GPS/total station integration for grading & excavation

🔩 9. KEY ADVANTAGES

✅ Advantage	Description
🔋 Fuel Efficiency	Up to 15–25% less fuel compared to previous generation (EC480B/C)
💪 High Breakout Forces	Among the highest in its class — excellent for hard rock & heavy materials
🧠 Co-Pilot Technology	Reduces operator fatigue, improves productivity by up to 20%
🔧 Easy Maintenance	Ground-level service points, centralized grease points, long service intervals
🌡️ Wide Operating Range	Designed for -30°C to +50°C (-22°F to +122°F)
📈 High Uptime	Volvo's renowned reliability and dealer network support
🌱 Low Emissions	Tier 4 Final / Stage V compliant — environmentally responsible

🆚 10. COMPARISON WITH COMPETITORS

Feature	Volvo EC480E	CAT 349/352	Komatsu PC490	Hitachi ZX490
Power	358 hp	370 hp (352)	370 hp	350 hp
Operating Weight	~48 t	~49 t	~49 t	~48 t
Max Dig Depth	7.38 m	7.5 m	7.4 m	7.4 m
Smart Tech	Co-Pilot ⭐	Grade with 2D	Smart Construction	Site Solution
Fuel Efficiency	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐

💰 11. APPROXIMATE PRICING (2024)

Region	Estimated Price (USD)
USA/North America	$350,000 – $420,000
Europe	€320,000 – €380,000
Asia-Pacific	$300,000 – $380,000
Middle East/Africa	$330,000 – $400,000

(Prices vary by configuration — bucket type, cab options, technology packages, undercarriage, etc.)

📋 12. SUMMARY


Best For	🏗️ Mining, 🪨 Quarrying, 🏢 Large construction, 💥 Demolition
Strengths	Fuel efficiency, Co-Pilot smart tech, high breakout force, low emissions, comfort
Weight Class	48–50 tonnes
Engine	Volvo D13 — 358 hp
Max Dig Depth	7.38 m (24 ft 3 in)
Standout Feature	🤖 Co-Pilot semi-automatic digging system

The Volvo EC480E is widely regarded as one of the most productive and fuel-efficient large excavators in its class, combining Volvo's legendary build quality with cutting-edge smart technology. It's a top choice for contractors who demand high productivity, low operating costs, and operator comfort in demanding environments. 🚜💪