 | | Conrad box. |  |  | | Big tyres. | |
|  | | Hoses crossing the pivot point. |  | | Nice detailing and finish on top. |  | | Opening grille. |  | | It is a good match for the LH621 Underground Loader. |  | | Ready to haul rocks. |  | | Jacks can be used for a tyre change. |  | | Big iron. |
| 
The Sandvik TH663 is an underground mining truck. The real machine weighs around 43 tonnes and has a payload of 63 tonnes.
Packaging
The model comes in a Sandvik branded box with a photo of the real machine. Inside the model is held within cardboard backed foam.
The review model had no defects or missing parts.
There is some information on the box about the real vehicle but no instructions for the model. The only assembly required is to fit two mirrors and a handrail.
Detail
Out of the box this is a heavy and robust model. Underneath the main transmission elements are modelled, and both axle assemblies are detailed. The tyres are nice and chunky with a strong tread pattern and the wheel hubs are detailed.
The front looks very convincing with nice lights and a useable towing hitch. On top the metal casting is detailed and paint highlighting adds to the realistic appearance. The cab is detailed with door hinges, a plastic mirror, beacon light and rear guard on the window. The yellow handrail is metal.
On the side and front there are plastic grilles there is a fire extinguisher.
Hydraulic hoses cross the pivot point.
The dump body is a heavy metal casting and it is decorated with chevron graphics and painted rear lights. The lift rams have plastic jackets with an excellent colour match. It looks like provision has been made in the castings for a safety locking bar to prop the dump bed for maintenance, but the bar is not present.
Features
The front axle oscillates up and down.
Steering the truck can be achieved using the articulated joint in the centre and a good angle can be obtained.
The on-board jacking system is modelled and the jacks can be pulled down to facilitate a tyre change.
The front and side grilles can be opened to give access to cooling equipment within the engine.
The access ladder at the front can be folded down.
The tipping angle of the body is very good and the hydraulic cylinders are stiff enough to hold any pose set.
Quality
This has the feel of a high quality model, particularly given its heavy weight.
The paint is very good as are the graphics.
Price
It is good value considering the large metal content.
Overall
As the latest iteration of a Sandvik underground truck, this is the best yet. It looks good and has nice functionality.
Footnotes
The model first appeared at the MineExpo Exhibition in 2016.
|
| |
|  | | This truck means business. |  | | Detailed chassis. |  | | Fire extinguisher at the front. |  | | Opening grille. | |
|  | | Being loaded. |  | | Profile view. |  | | Excellent tipping angle. |  | | On the road. |  | | Ladder at the front folds down. |
|
