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| Sarens
branded box.
|
 |
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| Transport
configuration. |
|
|
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| Fly jib mounted
for transport. |
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| On the road. |
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| Detailed
graphics on the cab. |
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| Excellent
Sarens decoration. |
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| Full boom
extension. |
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| Fly jib set at
an angle. |
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| Rigged with the
fly jib. |
|
The Tadano AC 4.080-1 Mobile Crane is an 80 tonne class
crane. It has a main boom length of 60m, and a
maximum system length of 69m.
This model is in the colours of Sarens, the Belgian
lifting specialist.
Packaging
The model comes in a Sarens-branded box. The model
parts are held within a pair of trays which
are clipped together which is much
better than being taped.
The review model had no missing parts
or defects.
The
build manual is very good. It has a full parts
list together with a packing diagram showing their
location in the tray. Clear pictures explain the
model, and there is also a section about the real crane.
Strangely, one assembly photo showing how the small
counterweights attach had the details blanked out.
Good quality tools
are supplied to assemble and operate the model.
Detail
The chassis is very good with the transmission and
suspension fully detailed. The tyres have a
good tread pattern and they are mounted on nice detailed wheels.
At the front
there is a hitching point for the hook whilst
travelling, and the cab has nice beacon lights, and
there is excellent detailing around the cab doors.
The Sarens colour scheme looks great and there is a
licence plate and what appears to be a fleet number. Tiny
graphics add realism.
Behind the driving cab the engine area appears to have a
holder for a single line hook block, and the exhaust
system is nicely replicated. Five ladders are modelled.
The deck surface textures are very good.
The outrigger beams are
single stage. The pistons have visible
screw threads when the pads are lowered rather than
smooth faces. Nice metal spreader plates are also included with the model.
The crane cab has window wipers and metal grab
rails, and the
interior detail is very good, with Tadano printed on the
seat back. More small graphics enhance the detailing.
The counterweight pieces have chevron markings.
The main boom ram is a metal part. Detailing on
the boom includes a spooling drum, silvered highlights
and work lights.
There are hydraulic hose details, and beacon lights at
the rear.
The boom sections have a two-tone decoration with the
Sarens name on each. The
sheaves appear to be metal painted white to resemble the
nylon-type ones used on the real crane.
A metal fly jib can be carried on the side of the boom.
A single three sheave hook block is included and it is
good, and a single line hook block would have been a
worthwhile addition.
A Sarens
plate is provided to keep tension on the hoist rope.
Features
The two axle
pairs are linked although on the review model the
linkages were not effective. The steering angle is
moderate and steering and rolling is not as precise as
on some models. There is sprung
suspension on each axle.
Ladders on the carrier deck can be rotated and lowered
and this works really well. An extra ladder clips
on the carrier deck for transport.
A walkway plate can be extended from under the cab.
The outriggers can be extended and lowered, and the
crane can be supported wheels-free.
Raising the boom is easy as the locking mechanism on the
main boom ram is by using a supplied key to tighten a
very small grub screw and this works well.
Telescoping the boom is
not so precise and the small boom section size probably
contributes to the locking spring
clips not always properly engaging. Each boom
section can be locked at maximum and approximately 50% extension.
A key is used to operate the main winch
which relies on friction as a brake.
The fly jib can be attached and
be either fixed or set at offset angles.
Quality
This model is well made and very good quality.
The use of plastic is appropriate.
The paint finish is very good, and the
many small graphics are
sharp.
Price
It is decent value for a four axle crane.
Overall
This is a high quality crane model with
excellent detailing. Most of the features work well
enough. It is a very well presented model with instructions and supplied tools.,
and it looks great in the Sarens colour scheme.
Footnotes
This limited edition version of the model appeared
in October 2025. |
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| Manual and
tools. |
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| Moderate
steering angle. |
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| Underneath. |
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| Toothed slewing
ring is visible. |
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|
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| Profile view. |
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| Setting up on
site.. |
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| Metal spreader
plates under the outriggers. |
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| Sarens load
plate included.. |
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