SK 480 LC Kobelco excavator specs & Dimensions (2003 - 2004)

Self-Diagnostic Capabilities

The best way to deal with problems is to avoid them, which is why we’ve built a self-diagnostic function into the computer system. It constantly gathers and displays up to 68 different service items to help ensure small problems don’t turn into big expenses. This even includes checking hydraulic pressures conveniently from the operator's cab.

Mode selector switch changes Engine power and speed

Assist ModeThis setting puts the excavator into an economy mode and provides engine speed and pump flow to yield approximately 90% of maximum productivity. It is ideal for general utility work in crowded residential areas and also provides increased fuel economy and lower noise emissions. Constant engine rpm is maintained under varying load conditions for outstanding production efficiency.Manual ModeThis default mode maximizes output for the heavy operations that require the excavator’s full performance. It delivers maximum speed and power for operations such as truck loading, trenching, mass excavation and high-speed travel.Breaker ModeThe Breaker Mode allows the operator to adjust the SK480LC’s maximum pump flow to match a manufacturer’s recommended flow rate for an attachment such as a breaker or nibbler/breaker, right from the cab. Once the desired flow rate is set, the volume of hydraulic oil in the breaker circuit will not exceed the adjusted level, even if the operator changes to the Assist Mode or the Manual Mode.

Incredibly High Horsepower

The mighty Mitsubishi power plant that propels our SK480LC generates 315 net horsepower, an incredibly high rating in this class. And the more power these engines generate, the more productivity you generate. All the while, these super-efficient engines are designed to ensure maximum fuel economy and comply with worldwide emissions requirements.

Independent Travel

When it's placed in Independent Travel, the SK480LC dedicates one pump strictly to travel, ensuring a smooth, constant propel speed without deviation during simultaneous travel/attachment operations. So even when an operator is carefully moving a large pipe across a job site, our independent travel mode means he can focus on that pipe without having to worry about his travel speed being affected.

Auto-Acceleration System

This advanced system ever-so-smoothly eases engine RPMs from 1,000 RPM to full speed in direct, proportional response to the operator’s control lever movements. The result: either a very deliberate acceleration for extremely precise operations, or an instant surge to full power.

Auto Warm-Up System

We installed an automatic warm-up system that cuts the time necessary for the engine and the hydraulic systems to reach their optimum performance levels.

Add-On Attachment Valves

Our engineers increased this excavator's functionality by designing it with an expandable main control valve. Up to three additional valves can be attached as options. Now it is much easier to install optional attachments. Accommodates optional bi-directional and low-flow valves with full pressure regulation. Breaker, breaker/nibbler and low-flow can all be installed on the SK480LC without disassembling the valve. Flow to the bi-directional valve is switchable from single or double flow from the operators cab.

Optional Hydraulic Counterweight Removal System

The SK480LC’s optional hydraulic counterweight removal system enables one person to quickly and easily remove or install the counterweight and eliminates the need of auxiliary lift equipment. A remote control device allows operation of the system from a distance.

Easy-Maintenance Radiator

Now you can remove the radiator without having to drain the hydraulic system, thanks to a new design that makes the radiator and oil cooler systems independent of each other. We’ve built in adequate space — about four inches — between the radiator and the oil cooler so it’s easy to access either component for servicing. Or to just hose off any debris that has accumulated on the protective dust screen separating them.

Better Hoses, Better Seals

The metal hydraulic tubing in and around the main control valve has been replaced with flexible, long-lasting hoses that are easier to maintain. We also replaced the metal-to-metal seals with flexible O-ring seals (ORS) that not only seal better, but are more commonly available, easier to fix and longer lasting.

Long-Life Components

The Dynamic Acera's heavy-duty idlers, lower rollers and carrier rollers are all lifetime-lubricated — to make sure that these critical components keep operating dependably over any surface, over a very long working life. The track links feature flexible seals to keep dirt out and initial lubrication in.

Friction-Inhibiting Bushings

Kobelco engineering has substantially increased both the durability and longevity of the SK480LC’s boom foot and boom-hoist cylinders. Our design engineers came up with special, wear-resistant brass bushings fortified with graphite inserts: a long-lasting solid lubricant that inhibits friction and, along with your routine maintenance procedures, helps maximize the life of these critical components.

Swing Priority

This exclusive system automatically and instantly delivers full swing power during combined swing/arm operations — with no special switches to select — making quick work of jobs like side digging and backfilling.

Boom and Arm Holding Valves

Operators often have to hold pipe or other heavy objects stationary while other crew members complete their work. To make sure these heavy loads don’t budge, we’ve engineered our boom and arm holding valves to minimize attachment drift.

X-Shaped Carbody

The modified X-shape carbody is the ideal design for resisting the distortions that can result from the exceptional forces exerted by constant heavy lifting and severe traveling conditions. Our carbody axles are welded to the crawler frame along an unusually wide area, connecting from the bottom plate to the top surface of the crawler frame. This all adds up to more operational stability and operator confidence when working on those demanding jobs.

The Industry’s Largest Cab

We’ve expanded the cab by 18% — making it the largest in the industry — to give the operator lots of elbow room while ensuring that each and every control is ergonomically positioned for maximum convenience and unrivaled productivity. Our design specialists also increased the total cab glass surface area by 36%, to make the operator feel more connected with the world outside and designed the controls so it’s easy for operators to get in and out of the cab.

Viscous Silicon-Filled Cab Mounts

By filling these sealed mounts with viscous silicon, we help eliminate the shocks and vibrations that can fatigue an operator and degrade his productivity over a long shift.

Adjustability = Productivity

The adjustable, 7-position suspension seat lets any operator get completely comfortable, regardless of size or shape. The seat suspension can be adjusted to compensate for the operator’s weight. The front and rear of the seat can be adjusted up and down. The angle of seatback recline is adjustable as is the front to back location of the seat. The arm rests adjust up and down and the head rest adjusts forward/backward as well as up/down. We designed the front window so the operator can easily position it to his liking: down and in place, or stored overhead up and out of the way. The bottom glass also can be easily removed and stored inside the cab.

Adjustable-Height Control Levers

Because operators come in all different heights, we designed an adjustable height feature into our pilot control levers. By adjusting the lever height to three different heights, the operator doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable no matter if he is short, average or tall. There’s certainly nothing trivial about all this effort because clearly, a relaxed, comfortable operator will be able to focus all his energies on the precise demands of the job. The more he focuses on the job, the more productive he’ll be — hour after hour, day after day.

Intelligent Total Control System (ITCS)

Rapid responsiveness is designed into the SK480LC. Our ITCS software improves productivity while ensuring that every part of this excavator feels like it is a natural extension of the operator: precise, productive and high performing.