 |
| 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. |
|
