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| Liebherr style
box. |
 |
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| Rear view. Strong tread pattern
on the tyres. |
|
|
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| Grilles are
formed of graphics. |
 |
| Detailed
wheels. |
 |
| Under the body. |
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| Loaded with
rocks. Steering angle is excellent. |
 |
| Tipping the
load. |
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| Convincing as a
load. |
|
The BAUMA exhibition of 2010 saw Liebherr
debut the TA 230 Articulated Dump Truck.
It has undergone a number of revisions since then and in
2020 was relaunched. This scale model is fully
revised to reflect the 2020 version.
Packaging
The model comes in the standard Liebherr style box and
it is held within cardboard-backed foam rubber.
The review model had
no defects or missing parts.
A simple instruction sheet explains the tipping of the
dump body. Mirrors have to be fitted. There is no
information about the real machine.
Detail
The detail underneath the model is good with the transmission
and suspension components modelled in tough plastic with
a very good colour match.
The tyres have a good tread pattern and they are mounted on
detailed wheels.
The
front has the LED lights represented and side grilles
are formed of graphics. The hand rails are metal
and the mirrors are plastic. There is no silvering
of the mirror surfaces.
There is beacon light on the roof and the green and red
load indicators are indicated. There is
reasonable detail inside the cab.
The steps leading to the cab are textured. Behind
the cab is the large exhaust enclusure.
The articulated joint between the dump bed and
the cab is very good, and there are many hydraulic lines
crossing the pivot point. A red safety lock for
the pivot point is modelled.
The dump bed is metal with soft mud flaps on the
leading edge. Small graphics add detail. The tailgate
is made of metal and soft cables link to the dump body.
A red safety lock is modelled which is used on the real
truck to lock the dump bed in a tilted position when
maintenance is carried out underneath.
Features
The model
rolls precisely with each wheel turning independently.
The rear axles have pivoting suspension and there is a
slight movement possible on the front axle too.
The steering angle is very good across the pivot point,
and rotational movement is also excellent allowing 90°
rotation each way.
The dump bed tilts to a steep angle and the hydraulic cylinders
are stiff enough to hold any pose. The opening tailgate
also works well, although on the review model it had to
be closed by hand when the body was lowered.
Quality
This is a
strong and robust model.
It is very well made.
he paintwork and graphics are
very good.
Price
The model is reasonably priced.
Overall
This latest version of the TA 230 is a complete
reworking and it is faithful to the real machine. It
goes well with other models in a mini diorama setting.
Footnotes
The model first appeared at the BAUMA exhibition in
April 2010. A second updated version was produced later
in 2010 which had a different design of the engine
hood. A third version with amended tailgate
beams appeared in January 2011. This
completely reworked version appeared at the end of 2020.
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|
|
|
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| Profile view. |
 |
| Handrails are
metal, mirror assemblies are plastic. |
 |
| Underside view.
|
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| Very good
details at the pivot point.
|
|
|
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| Red safety
lock. |
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| Opening
tailgate. |
 |
| Poses well with
an excavator. |
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| On the road. |
|
