Used Volvo 480 Excavator

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Detailed Introduction to Volvo EC480 Series Heavy-Duty Crawler Excavator

The VOLVO 480 series (officially the Volvo EC480 line, with the latest generation being the EC480E) is a flagship 48-ton class construction equipment model developed and produced by Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE), a global leading manufacturer of off-road heavy machinery. It is designed for high-intensity operation scenarios, balancing extraordinary productivity, fuel efficiency, long-term durability and operator-centric design, and is widely used in construction, mining, quarrying and large-scale infrastructure projects worldwide. Earlier generations include the EC480D (compliant with Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emission standards) for regions with relatively lenient emission regulations.

1. Core Specifications (Standard EC480E Configuration)

Parameter	Specification
Operating Weight	44,200 – 50,300 kg (varies by bucket type, undercarriage, counterweight and attachment configuration)
Power System	Volvo D13J 6-cylinder inline diesel engine, compliant with EU Stage V / US Tier 4 Final / China IV emission standards
Net Rated Power	264 kW (354 hp) at 1,800 rpm
Max Torque	1,875 Nm at 1,300 rpm
Bucket Capacity Range	1.9 – 3.8 m³
Max Bucket Breakout Force	285 kN
Max Digging Depth (Standard Boom)	7,620 mm (up to 11,900 mm for long-reach configuration)
Max Horizontal Digging Reach (Standard)	11,000 mm
Travel Speed	3.3 – 5.5 km/h
Max Drawbar Pull	336 kN

2. Design & Operating Performance

Power & Hydraulic System

The proprietary Volvo D13 engine is optimized for high torque output at low RPM, reducing fuel consumption while ensuring sufficient power for heavy load operations. It is paired with Volvo's advanced electro-hydraulic control system, featuring exclusive ECO mode, priority flow control, and boom/arm regeneration functions: it cuts energy loss by 12% compared to same-class competing products, shortens 90° dump earthmoving cycle time to as low as 10.5 seconds, and improves overall work efficiency by 8-10% under the same operating conditions.

Structural Durability

The main frame, boom and arm are made of high-strength wear-resistant steel, and have passed more than 10,000 hours of extreme load testing, with strong resistance to impact and deformation. The heavy-duty reinforced undercarriage adopts forged carrier rollers, sealed and lubricated track chains, and high-tensile steel track shoes, which can adapt to harsh working conditions such as gravel mines, rocky sites and frozen soil, with a service life 30% longer than ordinary undercarriage systems.

3. Operator Experience

The Volvo EC480 is equipped with the industry-leading Volvo Care Cab, certified by ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) and FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure):

Interior noise level is as low as 71 dB(A), reaching the sound level of normal daily conversation, effectively reducing operator fatigue during long-term operation.
Fully adjustable air suspension seat with heating and lumbar support, ergonomic joysticks with adjustable sensitivity to fit different operating habits.
10-inch high-definition intelligent monitor displays real-time operating data, fuel consumption, fault alerts and maintenance reminders in real time.
Panoramic glass windows with narrow pillars, standard rearview camera and optional 360° surround view system, eliminating operating blind spots.
High-performance automatic climate control system with 14 air vents, maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature in extreme high/low temperature environments.

4. Safety & Maintenance Features

Multi-position emergency stop buttons are set in the cab, upper frame exterior and engine compartment, and the hydraulic system automatically locks when the operator leaves the seat, avoiding misoperation risks.
Non-slip access steps and full-length handrails are installed on both sides of the upper frame, and 90% of daily maintenance points can be accessed from the ground, reducing the safety risk of high-altitude maintenance.
The automatic overload alert system and anti-slip travel control system avoid equipment damage and safety accidents caused by overloading or operating on steep slopes.
Volvo's global after-sales network covers more than 150 countries, with a 5000-hour/3-year standard warranty for the EC480 series, and the average fault interval is 25% longer than competing products, greatly reducing downtime.

5. Fuel Efficiency & Sustainability

The optimized aftertreatment system (SCR + DPF) meets the world's strictest emission standards, without EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) design, reducing engine heat generation and extending engine life.
The ECO mode can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15% without sacrificing operating productivity, and the idle auto-shutdown function cuts unnecessary fuel loss caused by long-term idle operation.
More than 90% of the components of the whole machine are recyclable at the end of service life, in line with Volvo's global carbon reduction goals.

6. Applicable Scenarios & Optional Configurations

Common Application Scenarios

Quarry and open-pit mining: blasted rock loading, overburden removal, site leveling
Large infrastructure projects: highway, railway, airport, dam construction, mass earthmoving, foundation excavation
Medium and large demolition works (with optional demolition boom and hydraulic breaker)
Bulk material handling: scrap metal, timber, aggregate handling (with grapple, magnet and other attachments)
Marine and water conservancy projects: dredging, shoreline construction (with long-reach boom configuration)

Optional Configurations

Customizable configurations for different scenarios are available, including heavy-duty rock bucket, ditching bucket, hydraulic breaker, ripper, quick coupler, cold start kit for -40°C extreme low temperature, high-temperature cooling kit for desert regions, heavy-duty mining undercarriage, blind spot monitoring system, etc.

The Volvo EC480 series is also renowned for its high residual value, with a 3-year resale rate 15-20% higher than average same-class excavators, making it one of the most cost-effective heavy excavator choices for large-scale engineering teams.

Non flooded

No accident

Original product

Used Volvo 480 Excavator

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