The Volvo EC480 is a heavy-duty crawler excavator designed for
demanding applications like quarrying, mining, and large-scale
earthmoving. Below are the key details:
Volvo EC480 Specifications (Approximate)
Operating Weight: 48,000–50,000 kg (varies with configuration)
Engine:
Model: Volvo D13 (Tier 4 Final / Stage V compliant)
Power: 250–265 kW (335–355 HP)
Bucket Capacity: 2.5–4.5 m³ (depends on bucket type – rock, GP, or
heavy-duty)
Max Digging Depth: 7.5–8.5 m
Max Reach: 11–13 m (with extended boom)
Hydraulic System: Load-sensing hydraulics with multiple modes
(Power, Eco, Fine)
Key Features
✔ Volvo D13 Engine – High torque at low RPM for fuel efficiency.
✔ Advanced Hydraulics – Smooth operation with auto-idle and pump
torque control.
✔ Operator Comfort – ROPS/FOPS certified cab with air suspension
seat, climate control, and low noise.
✔ Durable Construction – Reinforced X-shaped frame, heavy-duty
undercarriage, and boom.
✔ Tech & Telematics – Optional Volvo Co-Pilot (monitoring
system), CareTrack (remote fleet management).
Attachments & Configurations
Buckets: GP, rock, heavy-duty, or tiltrotator-compatible.
Breakers/Hammers: For demolition (e.g., Volvo HB 5800).
Grapples & Shears: For scrap handling or forestry.
Long-Reach Boom: For dredging or deep excavation.
Applications
Mining & Quarrying – Loading trucks, material handling.
Heavy Construction – Deep excavation, mass earthmoving.
Demolition – With shear or breaker.
Waste/Recycling – With grapple or sorting bucket.
Comparison to Competitors
Model Power Operating Weight Key Differences
Volvo EC480 355 HP 48–50t Volvo fuel efficiency, advanced
hydraulics.
CAT 349 354 HP 49t Cat’s Next Gen hydraulics, slightly faster cycle
times.
Komatsu PC490 347 HP 50t KomVision cameras, robust undercarriage.
Ownership Costs & Reliability
Fuel Consumption: ~15–22 L/h (depends on load).
Service Intervals: Every 500 hours (oil/filters).
Common Wear Parts: Track chains, bucket teeth, hydraulic hoses.
Price Range
New: ~
400
,
000
–
400,000–500,000+ USD
Used (5–10 years old): ~
150
,
000
–
150,000–300,000 USD
Should You Consider the EC480?
✅ Best for: Large-scale projects where fuel efficiency and operator
comfort matter.
❌ Alternatives: If faster cycle times are critical, compare to CAT
349 or Hitachi ZX470.