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Lifting Frame - 720 Tonne

Maker:  YCC
Model No:  700
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  October 2011


YCC Index
Other Cranes Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)7
Detail   (max 30)27
Features   (max 20)16
Quality   (max 25)21
Price   (max 15)11
Overall   (max 100)82%

Footnotes


Lifting Frame - 720 Tonne Video
The plain box.
The parts out of the box.
Small graphics add realism.
The tracks have a good structure.
The operator's console has painted buttons.
Using the strap guides under the outrigger beam.
Wheels off the ground.
Loaded on a Nooteboom OSDS 3-axle.
Under a lifting unit.  Tiny rollers.
This is a model of a lifting frame with a nominal capacity of 720 tonnes.  When set up it is 35cm long, 14cm wide and can have a height up to about 19cm.

Packaging

This model box is plain white but inside the parts are packed well inside black foam rubber with some pieces wrapped in tissue.

There were no defects or missing parts on the review model other than some very minor paint chips.

There is no information about the real machine or model, and no instructions.  However assembly is straightforward and obvious, although at least a photo or sketch of the assembled model would have been helpful.  Some spare pins and two tools are included.

Detail

The metal tracks are finely crafted with the channels having web stiffeners, and they pin together to form continuous lengths.

Each lifting unit is highly detailed.  There are tiny rollers underneath, and the hydraulics have rubber hoses with some having connectors on the ends.  The casting details are also very good including non-functioning lifting eyes, fine grab rails and a detailed equipment and console area.  There are realistic small graphics around the units.  The lifting cylinders are very well engineered.

The main beams are heavy-sections, with lifting slots and a safe load graphic.  Brackets fit over the beams and these are really well made out of a number of parts.

Four heavy strap guides are supplied for using on loads, however no straps are included with the model which is a pity.  For this review some simple straps were made from packaging strapping and paperclips.

Features

The lifting units roll along the tracks smoothly, and the 'pusher' cylinder can extend and retract.  The lifting cylinders are in three stages and extend easily and the head rotates.  The locking system is by means of a small Allen key turning very small grub screws and it works really well locking the cylinders into place with confidence.

The lifting brackets can be positioned anywhere along the main beams.

One option for displaying the separate parts is as a haulage load.

When assembled the frame is sturdy enough to handle a heavy model load.

Quality

This is a very high quality model with many small parts which have to be handled with respect.  The paint finish is very good with just a few very minor chips on the review sample.  The small graphics add realism.

Price

Quite a large and detailed model results when it is built up and so it is good value for the price.

Overall

This as an unusual model from YCC, and when it is set up it looks impressive, particularly if carrying a load.  It would have been good if a simple instruction sheet and some lifting straps had been included, but even so it is a highly recommended model.

Footnotes

The model first appeared as a prototype at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in February 2011 and it became available in September 2011.
 
The box insert has high quality foam rubber.
The frame set up.  Linking beams join the two gantries together.
Brackets on the main beam.  'Capaciteit' is Dutch for capacity.
The frame set with only one out of three cylinder extensions used.
Lifting a Liebherr LTM 1200-5.1.
The Liebherr is a heavy model but the frame can handle it.
The straps are not included.  These versions were home made.
All the parts can fit on a single truck.
The model is quite large when fully assembled.