Derette 480i: One Machine. Two Mobility Systems.

The Derette 480i gives contractors the rare ability to switch between tracks and wheels based on the job, the surface, and the season.

Overview of the Derette 480i Mini Skid Steer

The Derette 480i is built for crews that do not work in just one condition. When the site is soft, muddy, uneven, or unstable, run tracks for flotation and grip. When the work shifts to pavement, finished surfaces, tighter maneuvering, or snow service, switch to wheels for speed and surface-friendly operation. Backed by a 23 HP EPA-certified engine, a standard 3-pump hydraulic system, and up to 45 L/min of attachment flow, the 480i is designed to do more with one compact platform.

Why choose the Derette 480i?

Choose the Derette 480i when you want a compact mini skid steer that can work as both a track machine and a wheel machine. Its interchangeable undercarriage, full-time 4WD hydraulic drive, high auxiliary flow, and broad attachment compatibility makes it a strong fit for landscaping, property maintenance, light construction, material handling, and snow work.

Built for jobsites that change by the hour

Some machines are optimized for one kind of surface. The Derette 480i is built for crews that need flexibility. Its standout feature is a modular design that allows operators to change from tracks to wheels and back again according to jobsite conditions. That makes the 480i especially attractive for contractors who move between lawns, loose soil, gravel, sidewalks, drive lanes, and finished surfaces in the same week, or even the same day.

High-flow hydraulics in a compact platform

The 480i is not just about mobility. It is also set up to run demanding attachments. Public Derette materials describe the machine as using a standard 3-pump, 3-valve hydraulic architecture with attachment flow up to 45 L/min. That gives the 480i a broader working range than entry-level compact loaders that are limited to light bucket or fork work. Brush cutters, trenchers, grapples, snow tools, rollers, and other hydraulic implements are part of the 480i ecosystem.

Designed for traction, control & confidence

The Derette 480i uses four high-torque hydraulic motors in a full-time four-wheel-drive configuration, and published specs also call out automatic hydraulic oil temperature monitoring to support cooling under load. For the operator, the rear platform includes a non-slip surface and shock-absorbing cushion, while optional 35 kg side counterweights can be added to improve balance during heavier lifting tasks.

A strong fit for multi-season contractors

This machine is especially easy to position for landscapers, property maintenance firms, municipal crews, and snow contractors because its core value proposition is seasonal and surface-based flexibility. On soft ground or rough sites, tracks help. On pavement and hard surfaces, wheels can be the better choice. Derette’s own U.S. and international materials consistently position the 480i around that job-to-job adaptability.

Key Features & Benefits

Below is a structured comparison-style chart based on available data and comparable models in this class:

Core Specifications

Dimensions & Maneuverability

Ideal Uses for the Derette 480i

Landscaping and grounds work

Move material, prep sites, trench, grapple brush, or switch from turf-sensitive work to rough-ground work without changing machine classes.

Construction and renovation

The 480i’s compact size, hydraulic tool compatibility, and material-handling ability make it well suited for site prep, cleanup, excavation support, and work in tighter access areas.

Property maintenance and municipal use

From cleanup to grading to seasonal maintenance, the 480i is positioned well for crews that need one machine to cover multiple task categories.

Snow removal and winter work

The 480i has already been shown publicly with snow-related configurations, including an electric snow blower, reinforcing it as a compelling year-round platform.

Turn Your 480i into a 4-Season Workhorse

The right attachments turn your 480i mini skid steer into a revenue-generating tool in every season.

Visit Our Attachments Page

480i vs. a Dedicated Track or Wheel Mini Skid Steer

If a contractor works almost entirely on soft or rough ground, a dedicated track machine like the 450T may still be the simpler choice. If they work mainly on pavement or finished hard surfaces, a dedicated wheel unit can also make sense. The 480i stands out for buyers who need both modes and want to avoid buying two separate machines too early in the growth cycle. That positioning is consistent with how Derette USA frames the loader as a dual-mode platform rather than just another compact unit.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 480i Mini Skid

What makes the Derette 480i different from other mini skid steers?

Its biggest distinction is the ability to switch between tracks and wheels, giving operators more flexibility across changing surfaces and seasons. This allows you to reduce damage on some surfaces and maximize traction when you need it!

Are all attachments designed for use with all machines, and what attachments can the 480i run?

While not all are best suited for all units, the 480i can be equipped for used with standard buckets, grapples, trenching and digging tools, rollers, backhoes, brush cutters, and snow equipment.

How much hydraulic flow does the Derette 480i provide?

The Derette 480i will deliver up to 45 L/min, supported by a 3-pump, 3-valve hydraulic setup. This means that you have more than adequate power when and where you need it, for the jobs you want to accomplish most!

At the heart of every machine is the engine, what engine does the 480i use?

Available engine options listed publicly include Briggs & Stratton, Honda, and Rato, all described as EPA-certified in the reviewed materials. While we may not stock all engine options in Hermon, you can make your selection by using our Build a Machine form.