Used Kobelco SK480Excavator

Reading: 22

📌 1. Overview

Item	Details
Manufacturer	Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Parent Company	Kobe Steel, Ltd.
Model	SK480LC-10 (Latest Generation)
Class	48-ton / Large Mining & Heavy Construction Excavator
Primary Use	Mining, quarrying, large-scale earthmoving, demolition, infrastructure

The SK480LC-10 is Kobelco's flagship 48-tonne class hydraulic excavator, designed for the most demanding heavy-duty applications. The "LC" stands for Long Counterweight, and the "-10" indicates the 10th generation (launched ~2020).

📌 2. Engine & Powertrain

Specification	Details
Engine Model	Isuzu AH-6HK1XQB
Type	6-cylinder, turbocharged, intercooled diesel
Displacement	7.79 liters
Rated Power	276 kW (370 hp) @ 2,000 rpm
Max Torque	~1,570 N·m @ 1,400 rpm
Emission Standard	Tier 4 Final / Stage V (depending on region)
Fuel Tank Capacity	~700 liters (185 gal)
DEF Tank	Equipped (for SCR aftertreatment)

✅ The engine features a common-rail fuel injection system with high-pressure EGR and SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) for clean emissions.

📌 3. Dimensions & Weights

Parameter	Value
Operating Weight	~47,800 kg (105,380 lbs)
Transport Length	~11,270 mm (37.0 ft)
Transport Width	~3,190 mm (10.5 ft)
Transport Height	~3,360 mm (11.0 ft)
Ground Clearance	~470 mm (18.5 in)
Track Shoe Width	600 mm (23.6 in) — single or triple grouser option
Track Gauge	~2,590 mm (8.5 ft)
Undercarriage Length	~4,440 mm (14.6 ft)

📌 4. Working Range (Performance)

Parameter	Value
Max Digging Depth	7,170 mm (23.5 ft)
Max Digging Reach	10,700 mm (35.1 ft)
Max Dumping Height	9,850 mm (32.3 ft)
Max Digging Height	10,300 mm (33.8 ft)
Max Vertical Wall Dig	~6,100 mm (20.0 ft)
Ground Level Reach	~10,200 mm (33.5 ft)
Dozer Blade	Available (for grading/pushing)

📌 5. Bucket & Hydraulic Specifications

Parameter	Details
Standard Bucket Capacity	1.9 – 2.2 m³ (2.5 – 2.9 yd³)
Max Bucket Capacity	Up to 2.5 m³ (3.3 yd³) with rock bucket
Hydraulic Pump Type	Variable displacement axial piston pump × 2
System Pressure	35 MPa (5,076 psi)
Hydraulic Flow	2 × 270 L/min (594 GPM)
Swing Speed	~7.0 rpm
Swing Torque	~185 kN·m
Travel Speed	~4.8 km/h (3.0 mph)
Gradeability	70% (35°)
Max Tractive Force	~290 kN (65,200 lbf)

📌 6. Key Technologies & Features

🔧 𝗘𝗖𝗢 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲 & 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲

Feature	Description
ECO Mode	Automatically reduces engine RPM during light work, saving up to 10–15% fuel
Smart Save	Idle stop function — engine auto-shuts off after preset idle time
Regenerative Circuit	Recovers energy during boom lowering and swing deceleration
Auto Power Boost	Automatically increases hydraulic power when heavy digging is detected

🖥️ 𝗖𝗮𝗯 & 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁

Feature	Details
ROPS/FOPS Certified	Roll-Over & Falling Object Protection
7-inch Full-Color LCD Monitor	Real-time machine data, camera feeds, diagnostics
Air-Conditioned Cab	Dual-zone climate control
Suspension Seat	Air-suspension with armrests
Noise Level	~72 dB(A) — one of the quietest in its class
360° Camera System	Standard — front, rear, left, right
Bluetooth / USB	For data transfer and diagnostics

🛡️ 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆

Feature	Details
Auto Idle Stop	Engine shuts off at idle
Anti-Theft System	Immobilizer
Work Light	LED (front, rear, cabin)
Alarm System	Multi-level security alarm
Centralized Greasing	Auto-lubrication system

📌 7. Attachments (Versatility)

The SK480LC-10 is designed as a universal platform compatible with a wide range of attachments:

Attachment	Application
🪨 Rock Bucket	Hard rock, mining
🦷 Ripper (Single/Multi-shank)	Breaking hard ground, frozen soil
🔨 Hydraulic Breaker	Demolition, concrete breaking
' Shear / Crusher	Steel demolition, scrap processing
🪓 Grapple (Orange Peel / Sorting)	Material handling, scrap
🏗️ Tiltrotator	Precise positioning for varied tasks
🔧 Thumb	Pipe handling, log grabbing
🌊 Dredging Bucket	Dredging, river/port work
🛤️ Railway Excavator Kit	Track maintenance (optional)

⚡ Hydraulic Quick Coupler is standard, allowing attachment changes in under 2 minutes from the cab.

📌 8. Comparison with Competitors

Spec	Kobelco SK480LC-10	CAT 349 GC	Komatsu PC490LC-11	Hitachi ZX490LC-7
Power	370 hp (276 kW)	373 hp (278 kW)	378 hp (282 kW)	366 hp (273 kW)
Operating Weight	47,800 kg	49,000 kg	48,700 kg	48,900 kg
Bucket	1.9–2.2 m³	1.9–2.3 m³	2.0–2.4 m³	1.9–2.3 m³
Max Dig Depth	7.17 m	7.42 m	7.38 m	7.22 m
Fuel Efficiency	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Resale Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐

🏆 Kobelco is widely regarded as having the best fuel efficiency and lowest operating cost in this class, thanks to its advanced hydraulic system and Smart Save technology.

📌 9. Advantages & Why Choose SK480?

✅ Advantage	Explanation
🏆 Fuel Efficiency Leader	Up to 15% less fuel than competitors
🔧 Reliability	Kobelco's reputation for durability & low downtime
🛋️ Best-in-Class Cab Comfort	Quietest, most comfortable cab in the 48T class
📈 High Resale Value	Kobelco holds value exceptionally well
🔄 Easy Maintenance	Ground-level service points, centralized greasing
🌍 Global Dealer Network	Strong support in Asia, Middle East, Africa, Americas
⚡ Fast Cycle Times	Optimized hydraulic matching for productivity

📌 10. Typical Applications

Industry	Usage
🏗️ Mining	Open-pit & surface mining, ore loading
🪨 Quarrying	Stone extraction, bench work
🏙️ Infrastructure	Highway, dam, tunnel projects
🏚️ Demolition	Building/structure demolition with breaker/shear
🛢️ Oil & Gas	Pipeline trenching, rig site preparation
🚢 Ports & Dredging	Dredging, berth construction
♻️ Recycling	Scrap handling with grapple/magnet

📌 11. Pricing (Approximate, 2024)

Region	Estimated Price (USD)
🇺🇸 North America	$350,000 – $420,000
🇪🇺 Europe	€320,000 – €380,000
🌏 Asia / Middle East	$300,000 – $370,000
🇦🇫 Africa	$330,000 – $400,000

💰 Price varies by configuration, attachments, dealer, and region.

📌 12. Summary

Category	Rating
🔧 Power & Performance	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⛽ Fuel Efficiency	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🛋️ Operator Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔄 Reliability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
💰 Value for Money	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🛠️ Serviceability	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

🏅 The Kobelco SK480LC-10 is one of the best 48-ton excavators in the world, especially prized for its fuel economy, operator comfort, and rock-solid reliability. It's the go-to choice for mining companies and large contractors who prioritize low operating cost per hour over raw power.

Would you like me to go deeper into any specific area — such as maintenance schedule, hydraulic system details, or comparison with a specific competitor? 🚜