 | | Volvo windowed box. |  |  | | Mirror frames are metal. |  | | Very nice perforated grilles. |  | | A hose crosses the pivot point. |  | | Tipping angle is much too shallow. |  | | Being loaded by a Volvo EC480D. |  | | Profile view. |
|  Comment on this model.
The Volvo A40F is an articulated hauler with an unloaded weight of 31 tonnes and it is capable of carrying a payload of 39 tonnes giving a total weight of 70 tonnes.
This version of the A40F model is updated from the previous version introduced in 2013.
Packaging
The packaging is a windowed Volvo-branded box with a good photo of the real machine on the back. The model is contained between a pair of clear plastic formers.
There were no missing parts or defects on the review model.
There is no information included about the real machine or model.
Detail
The chassis of the dumper looks good with metal transmission components at the rear, and at the front the detailing is a little simpler. The oscillating rear axle mechanism is modelled and the rubber tyres look good. They are mounted on detailed wheels with very good metal hubs.
The shape of the front of the machine is captured well and a particular improvement is the side grilles which are fine quality mesh. There is a tiny Volvo badge on the front. Under the engine cover is a detailed plastic engine with different coloured components.
The cab looks good and another improvement is that the handrails and mirrors are now in metal and reflect the latest Volvo colour scheme. A nice touch is the textured surfaces on the steps to the cab. A painted beacon light has been added to the roof.
Behind the cab the exhaust system looks good and a hydraulic hose crosses the pivot point.
The dump body is modelled well with some small graphics to add detail. Soft rubber mud flaps have been added and these are good. The red stoplights at the rear are nicely painted and the connection rivets used are smaller than on the earlier A40F model.
Features
The wheels roll easily.
Some longitudinal oscillation of the rear axles is possible.
Steering at the pivot point is good with reasonably stiff rams but, compared to the real machine, a reduced angle is obtainable. Significant rotation is possible at the pivot point.
At the front the engine cover opens up and a separate part folds forward, but the upper hood cannot pose in the open position.
The tipping angle of the body is restricted which appears to be due to poor detailing of the hinge connection.
Quality
The model has a high metal content and the overall quality is very nice.
The paint is very good and the graphics are sharp.
Price
The price is reasonable value.
Overall
This improved version of the A40F is a better model with various detailed amendments and only the relatively poor tipping angle has not been addressed. Overall it is highly recommended.
Footnotes
The model first appeared at the Nuremberg Toy Fair 2104 and was available from March 2014.
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|  | | Orange handrails are metal. |  | | Detail underneath. |  | | Opening hood cannot pose like this so the Cranes Etc team had to cheat to get the pose. |  | | Parked up. |  | | Mud flaps in front of the rear wheels. |  | | It makes a good load on a low loader. |  | | On the road. |
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