 | | The large Komatsu branded box. |  |  | | Narrow mining tracks. |  | | Good teeth on the bucket. |  | | Cabinets on top. |  | | Big cab. |  | | Access ladder down. |  | | Big bucket. |  | | Good looking model. |
|  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.
This version of the model is in the colours of Miller Argent, a UK Joint Venture formed in 2002 which is taking forward the 'Ffos-y-fran Land Reclamation Scheme' in Wales. 00
Packaging
The model comes in a large Komatsu branded box containing two trays.
There were no missing parts or defects on the review model.
There is some information about the real machine on the box side, but nothing about the model. Spare pins for the access stairs are included.
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 Miller Argent graphics all around which include a fleet number. 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 slightly 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 slightly 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 a pose.
Quality
This is a very heavy solid-feeling model with little plastic.
The paintwork is good and 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 an interesting model in Miller Argent colours and is recommended.
Footnotes
The model first appeared in this variant in the Summer 2006 NZG catalogue. This version in Miller Argent livery was a Winter 2013 release in a run of 300 models.
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|  | | Big iron. |  | | Profile view. |  | | Handrails are a little on the fat side. |  | | Detail underneath. |  | | Detailed sprocket. |  | | Hydraulic pipes cast into the boom. |  | | Large grilles on the side. |
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