Used Volvo 480 Excavator

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VOLVO EC480 Series Crawler Excavator Detailed Introduction

Note: The mainstream 480-class heavy excavator under Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE, a subsidiary of Volvo Group) is the EC480 series, covering upgraded variants including EC480D, EC480E (compliant with Stage V/Tier 4 Final/China IV emission standards) and EC480 Electric zero-emission model, designed for high-load heavy construction scenarios.

1. Basic Overview

The Volvo EC480 is a 45-51 ton class heavy-duty crawler excavator, positioned to balance high power output, industry-leading fuel efficiency, long service life and low total cost of ownership. It is widely used in large-scale earthmoving, quarrying, mining, infrastructure construction (highways, railways, dams, airports) and heavy demolition projects.

2. Key Specifications (EC480E Standard Configuration)

Parameter	Specific Value
Operating Weight	44,200 – 50,700 kg
Engine Model	Volvo D13J inline 6-cylinder turbocharged intercooled diesel engine
Rated Net Power	245 kW (333 hp) @ 1,800 rpm
Emission Standard	EU Stage V / U.S. Tier 4 Final / China IV
Bucket Capacity	1.9 – 3.8 m³ (customizable for earthwork, rock, heavy-duty scenarios)
Bucket Breakout Force	285 kN (310 kN with power boost function)
Arm Breakout Force	232 kN (252 kN with power boost function)
Max Digging Depth (standard boom+arm)	6,890 mm
Max Ground Level Reach	10,680 mm
Travel Speed	2.2 km/h (low) / 3.3 km/h (high)
Swing Speed	8.9 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity	660 L
Hydraulic Oil Tank Capacity	200 L

3. Core Features

3.1 High-Efficiency Powertrain & Hydraulic System

The Volvo self-developed D13 engine delivers high torque at low rpm, reducing fuel consumption by 5-7% compared to the previous generation EC480D, while ensuring strong power output under heavy load conditions. The emission treatment system adopts SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) technology, no EGR required, reducing maintenance difficulty.
Equipped with advanced electronic control variable displacement piston hydraulic system (maximum flow 2×330 L/min), it achieves smooth and precise compound action (boom, arm, swing, travel work simultaneously) with minimal pressure loss. Multiple working modes are available: Heavy mode for extreme load, Normal mode for daily operation, Eco mode for energy saving, Lifting mode for heavy material handling. It also supports automatic idle and automatic shutdown functions, further reducing unnecessary fuel waste.

3.2 Durability & High Uptime

The boom, arm and undercarriage frame are made of high-strength wear-resistant steel, which has passed 10,000+ hours of extreme fatigue test, suitable for long-term operation in harsh quarry and mining environments. The track rollers, carrier rollers and idlers adopt sealed lubrication design, extending service life by 30% compared to ordinary products.
All maintenance points are arranged at ground-accessible positions, and the filter elements are centrally installed, which greatly shortens daily maintenance time. The extended maintenance interval (engine oil change: 500 hours; hydraulic oil change: 5,000 hours; fuel filter change: 1,000 hours) reduces downtime.
Standard equipped with Volvo CareTrack telematics system, which supports real-time monitoring of equipment location, fuel consumption, fault warning, and remote diagnosis, helping operators arrange maintenance in advance and reduce unexpected shutdown loss.

3.3 Operator Comfort

The cab has ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure) and FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure) certification, with internal noise as low as 72 dB(A), reaching the industry top level.
It is equipped with multi-direction adjustable heated air suspension seat, automatic climate control system with multiple air outlets, low-effort electro-hydraulic control joystick, which greatly reduces fatigue during long-term operation. The 8-inch high-definition color display clearly shows all operating parameters, standard rear view camera (optional 360° panoramic camera) provides no-blind-spot vision. It also comes with Bluetooth radio, USB charging port and large storage space to improve operating experience.

3.4 Safety Guarantee

Non-slip steps and three-point contact handrails ensure safety when getting on and off the machine. It is equipped with boom drop prevention device, hydraulic lock (prevents misoperation of working devices), travel alarm, swing alarm, high-brightness LED working lights for night operation, and overload protection system to avoid equipment damage caused by over-limit operation.

4. EC480 Electric Variant

Volvo also launched the pure electric version of EC480 for low-carbon operation scenarios:

Equipped with 396 kWh large-capacity battery pack, which can support full-shift (8 hours) operation under conventional working conditions, supports fast charging (full charge in 1.5 hours).
Zero exhaust emission, 50% lower operating noise than diesel version, suitable for urban construction, enclosed space operation and low-carbon construction projects.