 |
| The large
Komatsu branded
box. |
 |
 |
| Narrow mining tracks. |
 |
| Good teeth
on the bucket. |
 |
| Boom detailing
is simple. |
 |
| Large track
frames. |
 |
| Access ladder
down. |
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| Heavy metal. |
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| It provides
interesting poses. |
|
 Comment on this model.
The Komatsu PC3000 Backhoe is usually used in mining and
quarrying operations and has a bucket capacity of up to 15m³. It has an
operating weight of around 250 tonnes and is
typically matched with mining trucks in the range 75 -
150 tonnes.
Packaging
The model comes in a large Komatsu branded
box containing two trays. There were
no missing parts on the review model but one of the
cabinets on the roof was loose and had to be re-glued.
There is some information about the real machine on the
box side, but nothing about the model.
Detail
The
metal track pads have got a detailed pattern cast in and
they are mounted on track frames which have working
rollers on the top and bottom of the frames. The
undercarriage detailing is at a simple level.
The body is a very heavy metal casting
with large distinctive grilles.
The hand rails and ladders are nearly all metal and very
strong, although they look a bit fat for the scale.
There are a couple of lights under the cab, with sharp
Komatsu graphics all around.
Up on top there are some textured walkway surfaces and
the equipment boxes are relatively simple.
The large cab is metal, the windows are slightly tinted
and there are mirrors and wipers. Inside the controls and
driving seat are modelled as well as a rear seat.
The boom is made from a heavy metal casting. There
are hydraulic
pipes cast in the top surface and rubber hydraulic lines
connect to the body. The
hydraulic cylinder jackets are plastic and the colour
match is a little off. The arm is fairly simple
and the rivets used at
connections are unobtrusive.
The bucket is all metal with good teeth.
Features
The tracks roll surprisingly well when moved by hand,
and will roll on a rough surface.
They are tensioned with spring-loaded idlers.
The model rotates although the mechanism is stiff.
The access ladder can be folded down, and can be pinned
in the 'up' position.
Movement of the boom, arm and bucket is good and the
cylinders are stiff enough to hold most poses.
Quality
This is a very heavy solid-feeling model with little
plastic.
The paintwork is reasonable with a couple of minor areas
of poor finish. The graphics are very good.
Price
This is a larger model with a high metal content so the
price is reasonable.
Overall
It looks reasonably impressive because of its size although the
detail level is a little dated by modern standards.
It is recommended for collectors of mining equipment.
Footnotes
The model first appeared in this variant in the Summer 2006 NZG
catalogue.
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|
Imposing at rest. |
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| Profile view. |
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| Large grilles. |
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| Fairly chunky
metal handrails. |
 |
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Cab is good, with lights underneath. |
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| Big bucket. |
 |
| View underneath
reveals simple detail. |
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| Loading a
Caterpillar 785D. |
|
