Technical Description
The Michigan L480 is a heavy-duty wheel loader produced from 1988 to 1992, designed for high-capacity material handling in demanding environments. Powered by a 12-cylinder VTA-28C engine with turbo and aftercooling, it delivers 620 hp (462 kW) net power at 2100 rpm and 725 hp (541 kW) gross, with peak torque of 2363 lb-ft at 1300 rpm. The loader features a Clark 8422 H-204 countershaft-type powershift transmission, providing four forward and four reverse gears, with a maximum speed of 19.9 mph (31 km/h) in both directions. The hydraulic system utilizes three gear-type pumps, supplying 241 gal/min (912 l/min) at a relief valve setting of 2825 psi, enabling fast cycle times: 11.4 seconds to raise, 5.8 seconds to lower, and 4 seconds to dump. The standard bucket offers a heaped capacity of 12.6 cu yds (9 m³) and a struck capacity of 10.6 cu yds (8 m³), with a width of 14.4 ft (4 m) and a breakout force of 142,000 lbs (64,411 kg). At full lift, the hinge pin reaches 20.6 ft (6 m), and dump clearance is 15.5 ft (5 m). The machine measures 42.5 ft (13 m) in length with bucket on ground, 13.6 ft (4 m) wide over tires, and 16.1 ft (5 m) in height to the top of the cab. It rides on 41.25/70-39 (34PR) L-5 tires, with a 2 ft (1 m) ground clearance and a 34.1 ft (10 m) turning radius. The operating weight is 177,280 lbs (80,414 kg), and the static tipping weight is 109,560 lbs (49,696 kg). Fluid capacities include 99.4 gal (375 l) fuel, 65.6 gal (246 l) hydraulic, and 16.2 gal (61 l) cooling system.
