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| The box. |
 |
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| Big wheel hubs
for the electric motors. |
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| Extending
counterweight improves stability. |
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| Unusual
pivoting door.
|
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| It does look
futuristic.
|
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This is one in a series of concept
models which are Volvo's vision of future construction
machines.
The Gryphin is a wheel loader and the main design idea
is that it will have fully independent wheels which have
noiseless electric wheel motors and a zero emission
electric engine. This will also allow it to ‘climb’ to
some extent. The cab has large areas of glass that will
tint automatically in bright light or heat up in cold
weather.
The main functions of the machine can be managed
automatically with an extendible counterweight improving
stability by 20%. The fully independent suspension will
allow the machine to be lowered for travelling at speed
or raised for uneven ground.
Packaging
The model comes in a Volvo branded box with a
window and is held between
two snap fit clear plastic formers. Although
Motorart list the model, the Motorart name does not
appear on the box or model. There were no
defects or missing parts on the review model.
An interesting information sheet is provided and this
describes the design ideas for the concept machine and
shows the features of the model.
Detail
There is no particular detail underneath the model but
the rubber tyres are mounted on interesting hubs which
represent the electric drive motors. The arches
over the wheels are plastic.
The cab has fine plastic lattice work in the windscreen and the interior is crisp
with joysticks being the main control. There are
plastic mirrors on the outside.
The sleekly designed body is metal and there are no
obvious lights detailed.
The bucket raising mechanism is simply formed and the
bucket casting is similarly plain.
Features
The independent suspension has been modelled well and
works effectively with significant movement possible.
Steering is achieved by articulating the body and an
angle of approximately 45° can be obtained.
The cab door opens up in an unusual pivoting movement.
At the rear the adjustable counterweight can be extended and retracted.
The bucket raising mechanism has two cylinders and it is
not entirely clear how the third linkage is powered but
then this is a futuristic machine after all. The
range of movement is fine although when lifting the
bucket very high the lift cylinder piston pops out of
the jacket.
Quality
The model is well made with paint that seems to
have a metallic finish. There are almost no
graphics.
Price
It is expensive given the size and detail.
Overall
This is an interesting model and it is somewhat
difficult to judge it against the real machine as it
does not exist. It is good quality with
interesting features and the high price probably
reflects the limited edition status. It is
recommended.
Footnotes
The model appeared at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2011
and was one of three concept models including the
Centaur and
Sfinx. |
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|
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| This is not a
particularly big machine but it sits high on the
suspension.
|
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| Lifting height
is quite good. |
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| Profile view. |
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| Simple
underside. |
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| The Gryphin
cannot reach high enough to load the
Centaur concept
articulated dump truck. |
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