 |
| Volvo
box. |
 |
 |
| Rear end
detailing is very good. |
 |
| Front end is
modelled well. |
 |
| Handrails are
metal and very thin. |
 |
| Loader arm is
modelled well but the bucket does not tilt well at full
height. |
 |
| Cover fully
tilts to reveal a detailed engine. |
 |
| Profile view. |
 |
| Good transport
load. |
|
 Comment on this model.
The Volvo L180H is a wheel loader with an operating
weight of around 28 tonnes. In this model configuration
it is fitted with a rock bucket.
Packaging
It comes in a Volvo branded box with a window
allowing the model to be seen, and a nice photo on the
rear. The model is
contained between a pair of clear plastic formers and
surprisingly it is tied to one of the formers with a
twist tie.
There were no defects or missing parts on the review
model.
There is no information about the real machine or model
included.
Detail
The transmission is modelled well with realistic
differentials although the drive shaft to the front axle
does not cross the pivot point. The tyre tread pattern is good
and the wheels are smooth without wheel nut detailing.
The engine cover looks good with fine mesh texturing and
a good exhaust, and there are nice lights,
non-functional towing hitch and a warning graphic at the
rear. Underneath the hood is a detailed plastic engine
with coloured components.
Outside the cab the metal handrails are thin and very
realistic and the steps and platforms have a textured
surface. The cab has wipers front and rear, metal
mirrors and the interior
detail is of a good standard.
The steering pivot point is simple with no hydraulic hoses crossing to the
front.
At the front the loader mechanism has discrete
connections which are painted and unobtrusive. Hydraulic
hoses run to the bucket tipping cylinder, and the lights
have plastic lenses.
The rock bucket is a decent metal casting.
Features
The wheels roll easily and the rear axle has a
significant amount of oscillation, with the front axle
fixed.
Steering across the pivot point is fairly loose but a
realistic angle can be achieved.
The engine cover tilts back fully and poses tilted.
The cab tilts to the side to give maintenance access
underneath and this has been implemented well.
The loader mechanism raises to a realistic height but
the tilting angle and carry angle are restricted,
probably because of the different geometry of the rock
bucket (compared to the L150H rehandling bucket) has not
been compensated.
Quality
The model is well made with a high metal
content.
The paintwork and graphics are very good.
Price
The model is
a little on the expensive side.
Overall
Motorart has produced a very nice wheel loader with some
unusual and interesting functionality. The loader
mechanism does not work quite as well as on the L150H
model because of the different bucket however it is
still good enough to highly recommend.
Footnotes
The model first appeared at the Nuremberg Toy Fair
2014 and became .available in March 2014.
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|
|
|
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| Big rock
bucket. |
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| Tyres have a
good tread. |
 |
| Chassis detail
is reasonable. |
 |
| Simple details
at the pivot point. |
 |
| Tilting cab . |
 |
| Shifting rocks. |
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| Ready to hit
the road. |
|
