| The Case CX240B MH is the material handling version of the popular 24 tonne CX240B excavator. It is one of the first products of a new special business called Case Special Excavators (CSX) which has been set up in Zeebrugge in Belgium and which will be responsible for all special attachments for Case excavators. CSX will make sure that all parts on modified machines are strengthened for the required duty cycles, and will also design elevating cab structures for machines.
This machine weighs in at nearly 28 tonnes and has an elevating cab which can be raised 2.3m to provide a better view for the operator.
Packaging
The model comes in a Case-branded box which contains the model wrapped in a foam covering. There were no defects or missing parts on the review model.
A couple of mirrors are provided as extra parts and these have to be fitted. No instructions about the model or information about the real machine is provided.
Detail
The model has good metal tracks and these are mounted on simple track frames. The rollers are represented within the casting but they are non-functioning.
The elevating cab is well detailed with textured access steps and well formed window frames. A couple of plastic mirrors are provided which clip on to the front of the model but sadly these do not have silvered surfaces. The cab also has a plastic debris guard and painted lights. Inside, the detail is good with the correct number of pedals shown. Behind the cab the elevating mechanism has a plastic set of access steps and a set of control cables to the cab is provided.
The body is a typical Conrad casting. All in metal, it has enough detail in terms of grilles and handles for opening hatches to be interesting, and it includes a metal handrail at the front.
The boom sections are nicely cast with hydraulic line details throughout, and plastic lines passing across the hinge point. Hydraulic cylinder jackets are simple plastic.
The material grab is a nice part, with good casting of the slatted sides.
Features
The metal tracks roll very nicely on the spring loaded sprockets, and removing them from the undercarriage is easily achieved by pressing in on the sprocket.
Rotation and boom movements are easily accomplished and the cylinders are stiff enough to hold any pose. The grab rotates fully on the boom connection, and opens and closes and can grip simple loads.
The elevating cab mechanism works well, with the parallelogram linkages keeping the cab level as it elevates. It is possible to hold the cab at any level as the cylinder holding it is stiff enough.
Quality
The overall quality is very good, with nice castings and enough detail. There is a fair bit of plastic in the cab part, but it is good quality plastic so it does not show.
Paintwork is good, and the relatively simple graphics are applied well.
Price
The model is reasonable value.
Overall
As a welcome addition to the materials handling sector, Conrad have produced a nice quality model which poses well, and can be paired with other models to make interesting displays. The model is recommended to collectors.
Footnotes
The model was introduced at Intermat in April 2009, and was available shortly afterwards.
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|  | | The grab ready to pick. |  | | Good cab detail. |  | | The elevator has access steps modelled. |  | | The model impresses from ground level. |
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