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JCB JS220 Hydraulic Excavator

Maker:  Motorart
Model No:  13137
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  May 2008


Motorart Index
Earthmoving Equipment Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)6
Detail   (max 30)23
Features   (max 20)11
Quality   (max 25)15
Price   (max 15)10
Overall   (max 100)65%

Footnotes


JCB's 22t tracked excavator.
The box.
Handrail has tubes a little on the fat side.
About to dig.
Using it to lift.
The JCB JS220 is a 22 tonne machine aimed at the smaller end of the tracked excavator market.  It comes with either a monoboom or T.A.B. (Triple Articulated Boom).  The model is the monoboom version.

Packaging

The model comes in a simple branded box with a window allowing the model to be seen inside.  Inside it is held between two snap fit clear plastic formers.  There were no defects or missing parts on the review model.

No instructions or information about the real machine is provided.

Detail

This model is one of the Motorart 'Hi Tech' line which implies a higher level of detail might be expected.

The tracks are plastic but well formed with no burrs on the separate pieces.  They are mounted on metal track frames which have some detail within the casting.  The cab is a high quality piece of modelling with very good controls and pedals on the inside, and the seat back has 'JCB' imprinted on it.  On the outside the cab has a windscreen wiper, lights and aerial. 

The rest of the body has clear and crisp graphics and there is detail within the casting of the bodywork for handles, grilles and a non-slip walking surface on the roof.  Steps lead to the roof and the handrail which accompanies them is a little too wide a gauge at this scale.  There is a good filler cap and exhaust pipe.

The monoboom has hydraulic lines within the casting and there are some good lines leading to the main lift cylinders.  A couple of lights are fixed to the monoboom. 

The bucket is a nicely formed metal part.

Features

The tracks are free rolling, and the body rotates smoothly.

The three cylinders on the boom all work well although those on the monoboom are not quite stiff enough to hold any angle with bleed occurring and the boom settling down.  The model is stable with the boom extended in any direction.

On the roof of the body there is an opening engine cover which reveals a detailed engine within the body.

Quality

Paintwork and casting is all very good, and there is a good level of detail overall.

Price

The model is reasonable value for money.

Overall

JCB models are usually made by Joal so this model from Motorart is a welcome commitment to producing quality models at 1:50 scale.  With a little more detail and a few more features it could have been a better model.  In particular, metal tracks, more hydraulic hoses and a removable bucket would have been appreciated.  Even with this wish list the model is recommended.

Footnotes

 
Good detail in and around the cab.
Opening cover reveals the engine.
Loading a Volvo A40D.
As a 22 tonne machine it can fit on a Nelson Ramp Trailer.