Used Volvo 480Excavator

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The Volvo EC480E is a large-class crawler excavator (48–50 tonne class) from Volvo Construction Equipment's E-Series (EC) lineup. It is designed for heavy-duty applications in mining, quarrying, large-scale earthmoving, and demolition.

📋 1. OVERVIEW

Parameter	Details
Model	Volvo EC480E (Current Gen)
Predecessor	EC480B
Class	Large Crawler Excavator
Operating Weight	~47,900 – 51,000 kg (48–51 tonnes)
Manufacturer	Volvo Construction Equipment (Sweden)
Production	Ongoing (launched ~2018)

There is also a wheeled version: Volvo EW480E with similar specs but on rubber tires.

& 2. ENGINE & POWER

Specification	Details
Engine	Volvo D13 TC
Type	6-cylinder, turbocharged, intercooled diesel
Displacement	12.8 liters
Power Output	370 hp (272 kW) @ 1,800 rpm
Max Torque	~1,870 Nm @ 1,400 rpm
Emission Standard	Stage V / Tier 4 Final (EPA)
Fuel Tank	~650 liters
DEF Tank	~40 liters (for SCR system)

The engine features Volvo's ECO mode and Power mode for fuel optimization under varying load conditions.

🔩 3. HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Parameter	Details
Pump Type	Variable displacement axial piston
Max Flow	~2 × 370 L/min (dual pump)
System Pressure	350 bar (5,076 psi) / 380 bar peak
Hydraulic Oil Capacity	~480 liters

🪣 4. PERFORMANCE (DIGGING SPECS)

Parameter	Value
Max Digging Depth	~7,350 mm (24.1 ft)
Max Reach (Ground Level)	~10,900 mm (35.8 ft)
Max Digging Height	~10,600 mm (34.8 ft)
Max Dumping Height	~7,500 mm (24.6 ft)
Max Digging Force (Boom)	~290–300 kN (65,200 lbf)
Breakout Force (Bucket)	~210–220 kN (47,200 lbf)
Swing Speed	~8.5 rpm
Travel Speed	5.0 km/h (3.1 mph)
Gradeability	70% (35°)
Ground Pressure	~85 kPa (12.3 psi)

🪣 5. BUCKET CAPACITY

Bucket Type	Capacity
Standard Bucket	1.8 – 2.0 m³ (2.4 – 2.6 yd³)
Heavy Duty Bucket	2.2 – 2.8 m³ (2.9 – 3.7 yd³)
Ripper (optional)	1–3 shank ripper

🖥️ 6. CAB & OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT – CareCab

One of Volvo's hallmark features:

Feature	Details
Cab Name	CareCab
Noise Level	~64 dB(A) – among the quietest in class
ROPS/FOPS	Fully certified (Roll-Over & Falling Object Protection)
Climate Control	Auto AC with micron filter
Seat	Air-suspended, heated, fully adjustable
Display	9" or 12" high-res touchscreen monitor
Camera System	4× cameras (rear, side, boom tip, bucket)
Visibility	Excellent all-round with large glass area

🤖 7. TECHNOLOGY & SMART FEATURES

Technology	Description
🎯 Volvo Co-Pilot	Semi-automatic digging – operator controls boom/stick, Co-Pilot handles bucket & swing for faster, more precise cycles
📡 LINK System	Remote telematics – real-time monitoring of fuel, location, hours, diagnostics, idle time
📊 Volvo Active Control (VAC)	(on some variants) Auto-leveling, return-to-dig, and smooth motion control
🔧 Volvo Production Measurement (Payload)	Real-time bucket load weighing
🛡️ Volvo Guard System	Anti-theft engine immobilizer
🔄 Eco Mode	Auto engine speed reduction during idle/light work – saves up to 15% fuel
🔧 Quick Coupler Ready	Hydraulic quick coupler for fast attachment change
📐 2D/3D Grade Control Ready	Compatible with Topcon, Trimble, Leica systems

🏗️ 8. APPLICATIONS

Sector	Use
🪨 Mining & Quarrying	Large-scale rock excavation, loading
🏗️ Heavy Earthmoving	Foundation work, deep excavation
🏚️ Demolition	With hydraulic breaker or crusher
🛤️ Infrastructure	Pipeline, road construction
🏭 Material Handling	Loading large haul trucks (100T+ class)
🌲 Forestry	With grapple attachment

🆚 9. EC480E vs EC480B (Predecessor)

Feature	EC480B	EC480E (Current)
Engine	D12D (350 hp)	D13 TC (370 hp)
Weight	~47,000–49,000 kg	~47,900–51,000 kg
Fuel Efficiency	Good	~15% better
Co-Pilot	❌	✅
LINK Telematics	Basic	Advanced
Cab Noise	~67 dB(A)	~64 dB(A)
Emissions	Tier 4i	Stage V / Tier 4 Final

💰 10. APPROXIMATE PRICING (2024)

Region	Estimated Price (USD)
North America	$350,000 – $450,000+
Europe	€300,000 – €400,000+
Asia-Pacific	Varies by market

Price varies significantly based on configuration (bucket, ripper, GPS, Co-Pilot, etc.)

✅ SUMMARY – WHY CHOOSE VOLVO EC480E?

Strength	Detail
✅ Fuel Efficiency	Best-in-class ~15% savings vs previous gen
✅ Operator Comfort	Quietest cab, best visibility, smart controls
✅ Productivity	Co-Pilot + smart functions = faster cycle times
✅ Reliability	Volvo's legendary uptime & dealer network
✅ Resale Value	Strong residual value globally
✅ Uptime	Volvo's Uptime Services & CareTrack support

📌 The Volvo EC480E is one of the most advanced and productive large excavators on the market, combining raw power with intelligent technology for maximum efficiency in the toughest jobs.

Would you like more details on any specific aspect — such as attachments, comparison with competitors (CAT 349, Komatsu PC490, Hitachi ZX490), or maintenance schedule? 🔧