Home Welcome Reviews Editorials/Press Reference Shopping Mall Links Photo Archive Search Contact
Komatsu WA380-8 Wheel Loader

Maker:  NZG
Model No:  1005
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  April 2021


NZG Index
Earthworks Equipment Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10) 7
Detail   (max 30) 23
Features   (max 20) 17
Quality   (max 25) 21
Price   (max 15) 10
Overall   (max 100) 78%

Footnotes


Komatsu WA380-8 Wheel Loader Video [Youku Video]
Komatsu branded box.
Nice wheels.
Detailed rear end.
 
Etched grille.
Cab is smart.  Handrails are plastic.
Good truck load.
Oscillating rear axle.
Carrying.
Nice model for mini dioramas.


The Komatsu WA380-8 Wheel Loader has an operating weight of 18-20.5 tonnes and a bucket  capacity of 3.1-6.5m³. 


Packaging

The model comes in a Komatsu-branded box, with the model contained within a pair of expanded polystyrene trays. 

There were no defects or missing parts on the review model.

There is no information about the real machine, and there is no assembly to do as the model is complete. 

Detail

The chassis is very good with detailed transmission and axles   The rubber tyres are high quality and are mounted on authentically detailed metal wheels which have the inside faces detailed too. 

At the rear the modelling is high quality with fine details in the casting including perforated grilles, detailed counterweight and a video camera. Paint is used to highlight details and the graphics on the engine cover are sharp. 

The stairs to the cab are metal with the grab rails being plastic, as are the mirrors and aerials on the cab. There are tinted windows with a nice Komatsu name band in the back window.  Inside the cab there is adetailed console.

Under the cab the front axle transmission crosses the pivot point although there are no hydraulics.

The front lights are plastic with the loader arm being metal and the connections are discrete friction pins.  Thin hydraulic hoses run to the rams.

The bucket is a clean and sharp casting, with wear plate details.

Features

It rolls very smoothly.  The rear axle oscillates significantly, and the steering is pleasantly stiff and it achieves a realistic angle.

The bucket achieves a good cut angle and a good carry position.  The height of lift is realistic and the tipping angle is good too.

Quality

This is a high quality model with some very sharp casting details.  There are a few plastic parts. 

The paintwork and graphics are very good.

Price

It is a little more expensive than some similar sized wheel loaders.

Overall

This is high quality Komatsu model from NZG.  The casting details are very good and the functionality is faithful to the real machine.

Footnotes

The model  became available in December 2020.

 
Parked.
Profile view.
Tipping angle is very good.
Detailed chassis.
Thin hydraulic hoses.
 
Excellent bucket height.
Loading a tipper.