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The VM-880 Magnetic Locator from Vivax-Metrotech is a high-performance ferrous metal locator designed to find buried and paved-over infrastructure such as valve boxes, manhole covers, curb stops, boundary markers, and cast-iron assets.
Built for water utilities, public works departments, survey crews, and contractors, the VM-880 delivers maximum sensitivity, deep detection, and simple operation in a lightweight, rugged design.
The VM-880 is a magnetic (ferrous-only) locator, meaning it detects iron-based objects while automatically ignoring non-ferrous debris such as aluminum cans, bottle caps, and surface trash.
This makes it an ideal tool for locating critical buried assets in environments where traditional locating methods are ineffective or unnecessary.
At just 1.54 lbs (0.7 kg), the VM-880 is one of the lightest magnetic locators in its class, reducing operator fatigue during long search operations.
Carbon-fiber antenna tube — lightweight, rigid, and corrosion-resistant
Water-resistant and submersible antenna tube
High-impact ABS housing
IP54 / NEMA 4 rated for harsh environments
This makes the VM-880 ideal for use in wet, muddy, snowy, or rugged conditions.
The VM-880 is designed to minimize training while maximizing performance.
Audio and visual signal strength indicators
One-touch automatic sensitivity control
Manual incremental sensitivity adjustment
Continuous battery level monitoring
Field polarity detection
50/60 Hz power signal warning to alert operators of nearby energized lines
This balance of automation and control allows both experienced and new users to locate assets quickly and accurately.
The VM-880 is widely used by:
Municipal water & wastewater departments
Public works crews
Utility maintenance teams
Surveyors and engineers
Contractors performing valve and asset recovery
It excels in environments where critical infrastructure must be found quickly, without unnecessary noise or complexity.


Valve boxes and valve lids
Manhole covers
Curb stops
Boundary and survey markers
Cast-iron pipes and fittings
Buried utility access points
In many utility locating scenarios, operators don’t want to hear every piece of surface debris — they want only the assets that matter.
Ignores aluminum and non-magnetic trash
Reduces false positives
Speeds up search time
Improves confidence when pinpointing buried infrastructure
This is especially valuable after resurfacing, ground disturbance, snow cover, or landscaping, when valve covers and markers are no longer visible.


High-sensitivity ferrous metal detection
Audio and visual signal strength indicators
Lightweight ergonomic design (1.54 lbs / 0.7 kg)
Ultra-durable carbon-fiber antenna tube
Water-resistant, submersible antenna
Field polarity detection
One-touch automatic sensitivity control
50/60 Hz power signal alert
Intermountain Sales has been supporting utility owners and public works departments for decades. We understand how and where tools like the VM-880 are actually used — not just how they’re marketed.
When you purchase the VM-880 from Intermountain Sales, you get:
Expert guidance on proper application
Product support from utility locating specialists
Long-term service and parts support
A partner who understands buried infrastructure challenges
If you need a fast, reliable way to locate buried ferrous assets, the VM-880 remains one of the most effective magnetic locators available today.
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