Used Volvo 480Excavator

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📌 1. Overview

The Volvo EC480E is a large-class crawler excavator in Volvo Construction Equipment's E-Series lineup, sitting in the 45–50 tonne operating weight class. It is designed for heavy-duty applications such as mining, quarrying, large-scale earthmoving, and infrastructure projects. The "E" suffix indicates it is a Prime (diesel-powered) version.

Parameter	Specification
Model	EC480E
Series	E-Series (Volvo)
Class	45–50 tonne
Operating Weight	~48,000 kg (105,822 lbs)
Engine	Volvo D13 TC (Stage V / Tier 4 Final)
Power Output	275 kW (369 hp) @ 1,800 rpm
Bucket Capacity	1.8 – 2.2 m³ (2.4 – 2.9 yd³)
Max Digging Depth	~7.4 m (24.3 ft)
Max Reach	~11.2 m (36.7 ft)
Max Breakout Force	~218 kN (49,000 lbf)

📌 2. Engine & Powertrain

Feature	Detail
Engine Model	Volvo D13 TC (Turbo Compound)
Type	6-cylinder inline diesel, turbocharged + intercooled
Emission Standard	EU Stage V / EPA Tier 4 Final
Displacement	12.8 L
Fuel Tank Capacity	~650 L (171.7 US gal)
Aftertreatment	DPF + SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction with AdBlue)
Transmission	Volvo Active Torque Management system

🔑 The Turbo Compound (TC) technology recovers exhaust energy to boost fuel efficiency by up to 10–15% compared to conventional setups.

📌 3. Hydraulic System

Parameter	Specification
System Type	Load-Sensing (LS) hydraulic system
Max Flow	~2 × 350 L/min (dual pump)
Operating Pressure	350 bar (5,076 psi) / 380 bar peak
Hydraulic Oil Capacity	~380 L

The hydraulic system is designed for high power and fast cycle times, making it ideal for heavy breakout and high-production digging.

📌 4. Key Features & Technologies

🖥️ Volvo Co-Pilot

An advanced 3D machine control system that:

Provides real-time guidance for boom, stick, and bucket
Enables grade control, depth control, and slope control
Increases operator productivity by up to 40%
Reduces rework and improves accuracy

🎮 BOOMCONTROL (Volvo's Exclusive)

Allows the operator to control boom, stick, and bucket simultaneously with joysticks
Replaces traditional levers — faster, more intuitive, less tiring
Especially beneficial for precision work

📱 CareTrack Telematics

Real-time fleet management and machine monitoring
Tracks fuel consumption, idle time, location, diagnostics
Helps optimize total cost of ownership (TCO)

🌱 ECO Mode

Automatically adjusts engine speed to match hydraulic demand
Saves up to 15% fuel without sacrificing performance

🛡️ Volvo Active Protection System (ROPS/FOPS)

Fully enclosed cab with ROPS/FOPS certification
Excellent noise reduction (~72 dB(A))
Air-suspended seat, climate control, large display screens

📌 5. Undercarriage & Mobility

Feature	Specification
Track Width	600 mm (23.6 in) — adjustable
Ground Pressure	~81 kPa (11.7 psi)
Travel Speed	5.5 km/h (3.4 mph)
Gradeability	70% (35°)
Boom Transport Width	3.2 m (10.5 ft)

The wide track shoes provide excellent stability on soft ground and reduce ground pressure — critical for mining and quarry applications.

📌 6. Dimensions

Dimension	Value
Length (w/o bucket)	~11.3 m (37.1 ft)
Width (tracks)	3.2 m (10.5 ft)
Height (to cab top)	~3.2 m (10.5 ft)
Tail Swing Radius	~3.4 m (11.2 ft)

📌 7. Attachments & Versatility

The EC480E supports a wide range of attachments via quick coupler:

Attachment	Application
🪨 Rock Bucket	Quarrying, mining
🦷 Ripper (1–5 shank)	Hard ground, frozen soil
🔨 Hydraulic Hammer	Demolition, rock breaking
🪓 Grapple	Scrap handling, logging
🔄 Rotating Grapple	Material handling
🪣 Tiltrotator	Versatile positioning (Volvo)
' Pulverizer	Concrete crushing

The Volvo Tiltrotator is a standout feature — it allows the bucket to rotate 360°, acting like a mini-excavator without repositioning the machine.

📌 8. Competitors

Brand	Model	Class
🐱 Caterpillar	349 GC / 352	49–52 tonne
🟢 Komatsu	PC490LC-11	48–49 tonne
🔵 Hitachi	ZX490LCH-6	49 tonne
🟡 Liebherr	R 980	49 tonne
🟠 Doosan	DX490LCA-5	48 tonne

📌 9. Strengths & Weaknesses

✅ Strengths	⚠️ Limitations
Excellent fuel efficiency (TC engine + ECO mode)	Higher purchase price vs. some competitors
Volvo Co-Pilot & BOOMCONTROL = industry-leading productivity	Large size — requires heavy transport
Strong residual value	AdBlue system adds maintenance complexity
Excellent operator comfort & low noise	Slightly lower breakout force vs. CAT 352
Outstanding dealer/service network globally

📌 10. Typical Applications

Sector	Use Case
& Mining	Loading trucks, bench digging
🪨 Quarrying	Rock excavation, secondary breaking
🏗️ Infrastructure	Deep excavation, foundation work
🏚️ Demolition	Building tear-down with hammer/pulverizer
🌊 Dredging	River/harbor deepening (with long reach)
🌲 Forestry	Land clearing with grapple/tiltrotator

📌 11. Pricing (Approximate, 2024)

Region	Estimated Price (USD)
North America	$350,000 – $420,000
Europe	€300,000 – €380,000
Asia-Pacific	$320,000 – $400,000

Prices vary significantly based on configuration, attachments, and market conditions.

📌 Summary

Category	Rating (out of 5)
💪 Power & Performance	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⛽ Fuel Efficiency	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🖥️ Technology & Smart Features	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🪑 Operator Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
💰 Value for Money	⭐⭐⭐⭐

🎯 The Volvo EC480E is one of the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient large excavators on the market, ideal for operators who prioritize productivity, precision, and lower operating costs.

Would you like me to go deeper into any specific aspect — such as comparison with a specific competitor, maintenance schedule, or attachment recommendations? 🔧