Used Volvo EC480 Excavator for Quarry Loading and Major Earthworks

Product Introduction

A used Volvo EC480 crawler excavator is a heavy-duty machine built for quarry loading and large-scale earthworks. The Volvo EC480 combines high breakout force, strong hydraulic performance, and durable undercarriage construction for demanding production work. For buyers comparing used excavators, this 48-ton class machine offers strong digging performance, reliable Volvo engineering, and good residual value. This article covers key Volvo EC480 specifications, common applications, inspection points, work tools, and logistics considerations. ## Volvo EC480 key specifications The Volvo EC480 is typically configured as a 48-ton class crawler excavator used for heavy excavation, quarry production, and bulk material handling. Typical specifications include: - Operating weight: approximately 48 metric tons - Engine: Volvo diesel engine, commonly around 300 kW class output depending on version - Bucket capacity: suitable for 2.0–3.5 m³ buckets depending on application - Max digging depth: strong depth capability for large excavation projects - Arm and boom: reinforced structures designed for heavy-duty cyclic work - Hydraulic system: high-flow Volvo system for smooth controllability and strong breakout performance - Undercarriage: heavy-duty tracks, rollers, and frames for quarry and earthworks conditions Exact specs vary by model year, configuration, boom type, bucket size, and regional emissions version. ## Typical applications The Volvo EC480 is commonly used in: - Quarry loading of dump trucks - Large earthmoving and mass excavation projects - Rock excavation and heavy digging - Aggregate production and stockpiling - Road construction, pipeline work, and infrastructure projects - Demolition support when fitted with appropriate tools Its size and hydraulic capacity make it better suited for production work than light utility digging. ## What to inspect when buying a used Volvo EC480 Before purchasing a used Volvo EC480, focus on machine condition, service history, and wear components. Important inspection areas include: - Engine smoke, startup behavior, and fault codes - Hydraulic pump and cylinder leakage - Boom, arm, and bucket pin/bushing wear - Track shoes, rollers, idlers, and sprocket condition - Undercarriage frame cracking or repair signs - Cab glass, seat, air conditioning, and monitor operation - Bucket wear plates, cutting edges, and adapters - Radiator, cooling fan, and hydraulic cooler condition - Previous ownership and maintenance records A well-maintained Volvo EC480 can remain productive for many years, especially if the undercarriage and hydraulics are in good condition. ## Attachments and work tools The Volvo EC480 can be matched with different attachments depending on the job: - Heavy-duty digging bucket for soil and rock excavation - Rock bucket for abrasive quarry material - Side-dump bucket for high-volume loading - Ripper attachment for hard soil or loosening fractured rock - Hydraulic hammer for demolition or rock breaking - Compaction wheel or plate compactor for earthwork support Choosing the right bucket width and capacity is important for cycle time, fuel efficiency, and machine stability. ## Transport and shipping A used Volvo EC480 requires heavy-load logistics because of its weight and dimensions. Shipping options include: - Flatbed trailer or low-bed truck for domestic transport - RoRo shipping for export routes with suitable ramp access - Breakbulk or project cargo shipping with cranes - Container shipping only if local regulations allow disassembled shipment Prepare shipping dimensions, bucket removal, track retraction where applicable, and export documentation in advance. ## Buyers’ summary The Volvo EC480 used crawler excavator is a strong option for quarry loading, mass excavation, and heavy earthmoving. Buyers should compare year, hours, maintenance history, undercarriage wear, hydraulic condition, and included attachments. With the right inspection and logistics plan, this excavator can be a high-productivity investment for mining, quarry, and infrastructure projects.

Product Information

Model:

Volvo EC480

Operating weight:

48,162 kilograms

Engine:

Volvo D13F

Gross engine power:

270 kW at 1,800 rpm

cylinder count:

Keep large excavation and loading jobs moving with a used Volvo EC480 excavator from Longmai Machinery. This heavy crawler model is worth considering for quarry support, bulk earthworks, road construction, and large industrial sites.

The supplied photos show EC480 markings, Volvo branding, a toothed digging bucket, steel tracks, an enclosed cab, a front cab guard, mirrors, a beacon, and upper access rails.

Longmai Machinery supplies used construction machinery to contractors, dealers, rental companies, and fleet buyers. We can discuss machine records, inspection, preparation, and export arrangements for your selected unit.

Match Excavation Capacity to the Hauling Plan

A large excavator works best when its bucket, material, and truck fleet suit one another. Therefore, buyers should consider truck body size, loading height, haul distance, and site access alongside machine size.

Volvo’s published EC480 reference setup uses a 7.0 m boom, a 3.0 m arm, and a 2.6 m³ bucket. However, the pictured bucket’s capacity cannot be confirmed from its appearance alone.

Share your material type and expected loading duties when requesting a quote. Bucket selection should account for material density, attachment weight, and the machine’s working limits.

Volvo D13F Engine

The EC480’s published China-market configuration uses a Volvo D13F six-cylinder diesel engine. It combines turbocharging, air-to-air intercooling, electronic engine control, and high-pressure fuel injection.

The reference engine delivers 270 kW of gross power at 1,800 rpm. Its listed peak torque is 1,836 N·m at 1,400 rpm.

In addition, automatic idling reduces engine speed when the controls are inactive. On a used machine, this function should be tested alongside starting, cooling, exhaust, and response under load.

Hydraulic Control for Repeated Loading Cycles

Volvo describes an electro-hydraulic system with two variable-displacement main pumps. The system combines pump flow and provides priority functions for boom, arm, and swing movements.

These features support combined operations during digging and truck loading. Meanwhile, power boost provides additional force when the operating conditions call for it.

A working inspection should check smooth response, cylinder holding, swing braking, and hydraulic temperature. Ask for a warm demonstration that includes digging, lifting, and swinging together.

Manufacturer Reference Specifications

The following figures describe Volvo’s published China-market EC480 configuration with a 7.0 m boom, 3.0 m arm, 2.6 m³ bucket, and 600 mm double-grouser track shoes.

Item	Reference Specification
Manufacturer	Volvo Construction Equipment
Model	EC480
Machine type	Crawler hydraulic excavator
Operating weight	48,162 kg
Engine	Volvo D13F
Gross engine power	270 kW at 1,800 rpm
Net engine power	268 kW at 1,800 rpm
Engine displacement	12.8 L
Number of cylinders	6
Reference bucket capacity	2.6 m³
Main pump maximum flow	2 × 355 L/min
Implement pressure, normal / boost	32.4 / 35.3 MPa
Bucket digging force, ISO, normal / boost	261 / 284 kN
Arm digging force, ISO, normal / boost	216 / 235 kN
Travel speed, low / high	3.1 / 5.1 km/h
Maximum swing speed	8.9 rpm
Fuel tank capacity	680 L
Hydraulic tank capacity	270 L
Maximum digging depth	7,478 mm
Maximum digging reach	11,817 mm
Maximum ground-level reach	11,592 mm
Maximum dumping height	7,372 mm
Reference overall length	12,220 mm
Reference overall width	3,440 mm
Cab height	3,280 mm
Boom height in reference transport position	3,780 mm

These are manufacturer reference figures, not measurements of the pictured unit. Track shoes, counterweight, bucket, guards, and regional equipment can change the final data. Confirm the serial number, installed engine, actual weight, and shipping dimensions before ordering.

Structure, Cooling, and Service Access

Volvo’s EC480 design includes an X-shaped undercarriage, greased and sealed track chains, and reinforced structural components.

The manufacturer also groups filters and lubrication points for easier maintenance. Its cooling layout places the radiator, charge-air cooler, and hydraulic oil cooler side by side to aid cleaning.

For used-equipment buyers, maintenance access is only part of the assessment. Check whether the cooling surfaces are clear, service points are intact, and available records show regular care.

Cab and Visible Equipment

The pictured excavator has a glazed cab with a steel front guard. Its mounting points, visibility, glass, wiper, door latch, and lights should be inspected before purchase.

Guard certification and suitability for the intended work require separate confirmation.

Volvo’s reference cab design includes adjustable seating, movable joystick consoles, and heating and air conditioning. Confirm the installed equipment and its working condition on the selected machine.

Suitable Business Applications

The EC480 can be considered for:

Quarry material loading
Bulk soil excavation
Large foundation and basement work
Road cuts and infrastructure earthworks
Industrial site development
Major drainage projects
Heavy equipment fleet expansion

A breaker or another hydraulic tool may broaden its role. However, mounting dimensions, tool weight, flow, pressure, and return-line needs must match the installed circuit.

For related planning, review our excavator attachment and shipping case.

Assess Condition and Define the Order

Request current photos, a cold-start video, a warm operating test, and available service records. Inspection should cover the engine, pumps, cylinders, digging structure, swing bearing, travel motors, and undercarriage.

The supplied images include close views of track chains, shoes, rollers, and final-drive areas. Measurements and travel tests are needed to estimate remaining service life.

Our used construction machinery buying guide offers further purchasing guidance.

Longmai Machinery supports inspection, export documents, international shipping, spare-parts supply, and remote maintenance guidance. Any agreed repairs, attachments, loading responsibilities, and dispatch terms should appear in the quotation.

Request Your Volvo EC480 Quote

Contact Longmai Machinery for current availability, production year, recorded hours, condition details, price, and shipping options. Please provide your destination port, quantity, material type, main tasks, and inspection needs.

Volvo Construction Equipment manufactures the EC480. Longmai Machinery is an independent supplier of used construction equipment.