Vivax-Metrotech VM-880 Ferrous Metal Detector
The Vivax-Metrotech VM-880 finds buried iron and steel: valve boxes, manhole covers, survey nails and cast iron pipe.
$1,071 $1,128
- Sold by a family business since 1967
- Written quote by phone or email
- Help after the sale
Vivax-Metrotech VM-880 price and what's in the box
The Vivax-Metrotech VM-880 is a ferrous metal detector that finds buried iron and steel. It's one handheld unit with no transmitter to set up: turn it on and sweep, and the tone climbs and the bar grows as you get close to a valve box, manhole cover or survey nail.
Our price
$1,071 $1,128
Our price for the VM-880 is $1,071 (list $1,128). It works on its own, so there's no transmitter to add.
In the box
- VM-880 receiver
- 2 AA battery holder
- Mini-USB cable
- User handbook
- Carry bag
Your written quote confirms exactly what's included.
How to find a target with the VM-880
Sweep at an angle
Turn it on and it sets its own sensitivity. Hold it at about 45 degrees with the tip close to the ground, and walk slowly while you sweep side to side. The pitch rises and the bar grows as you near iron or steel.
Pinpoint and read the polarity
Hold it straight up, find the highest pitch, then check again from a second direction. A small or deep target, like a nail or valve cover, gives one peak. A manhole cover or a long bar gives two peaks of opposite polarity, one at each end.
What this ferrous metal detector finds
- Valve boxes and manhole covers buried iron and steel boxes and covers.
- Survey markers PK nails, marker stakes and magnetic markers.
- Cast iron pipe and tanks buried cast iron pipe and large iron tanks.
- Iron and steel only it ignores non-ferrous items like aluminum cans.
VM-880 specs
| Detects | ferrous metal (iron and steel) only |
|---|---|
| Transmitter | none needed |
| Screen | signal number, bar graph, plus or minus polarity, and sensitivity level |
| Sound | speaker, with pitch that rises near iron and steel |
| Controls | four buttons: sensitivity down, on/off and volume, sensitivity up, auto-sensitivity |
| Screen flip | turns 180 degrees, whichever way you hold it |
| Power | 2 AA alkaline batteries |
VM-880 batteries and parts
The only part you change yourself is the AA batteries. Before you head out, hold the tip near a PK nail: the reading should climb while the tip is still a couple of inches away. If it fails that check or needs work, call us and we'll help you sort it out.
VM-880 vs Schonstedt GA-52Cx
Vivax-Metrotech VM-880one handheld unit with a screen that shows signal strength and polarity. $1,071.
This page
Schonstedt GA-52Cxtwo-knob magnetic locator that finds manhole covers and valves to 10 ft and survey markers to 9 ft. $1,236.
See the GA-52CxQuestions
How much does a Vivax-Metrotech VM-880 cost?
Our price is $1,071, and the list price is $1,128. Request a quote and we'll respond in writing.
What is a ferrous metal detector?
A ferrous metal detector finds iron and steel by sensing their magnetic field. Crews use one to find buried valve boxes, manhole covers and survey nails.
Can a ferrous metal detector pick up non-ferrous metals?
No. Non-ferrous metals like copper, brass and aluminum have no iron in them, so the VM-880 passes over them. To trace a copper service line, use a pipe and cable locator.
Get a quote on the Vivax-Metrotech VM-880
Call 937-657-2735 or request a quote, and we'll get back to you with price and availability.