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Volvo EC460CL Excavator 

Maker:  NZG
Model No:  811
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  March 2012


NZG Index
Earthmoving Equipment Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)7
Detail   (max 30)24
Features   (max 20)16
Quality   (max 25)21
Price   (max 15)12
Overall   (max 100)80%

Footnotes


The Volvo EC460CL Excavator Video.
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Volvo branded box.
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Detailed tracks and metal grab rails on the body.
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Cab has tinted windows.
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Reach is good.
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Opening cover with Volvo engine.
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Plenty of hydraulic lines are modelled.
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Equipment for attaching the counterweight.
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Overall range of movement is very good.
Poses well with other models.
The Volvo EC460CL has an operating weight of around 48-50 tonnes. 

Packaging

The box consists of shaped clear plastic formers held within an outer cardboard box which allows the model to be seen.  There is also a clever tray in the bottom of the packaging which holds some spare track links and a replacement beacon light, which is a nice addition.

There is no information provided about the real machine, and nothing for the model either although there is no assembly required to display the model.

Detail

The metal tracks are mounted on detailed frames which have working sprockets and idlers and the lower rollers are moving parts.

The body is almost all metal with the result that the whole model is quite heavy.  Detail inside the cab is good, and the windows are slightly tinted and have the glass frame finely delineated.  A mirror, beacon light and wipers add detail.  The rest of the body has grilles formed within the casting and there are a number of metal grab rails.  At the rear the counterweight attachment mechanism is modelled, although the counterweight is permanently fixed on the model.

The modelling of the hydraulics is very good.  There is a detailed hydraulic unit at the boom foot and the hydraulic lines are modelled in rubber and run up the boom and stick and overall these add to the look of the model greatly.

The boom and stick are metal with plastic blanking plates on the underside. 

The bucket is a very good casting with anti-wear plates and sharp teeth.

Features

The tracks roll well and are mounted on spring loaded sprockets so removal is straightforward.  However as the track links are hooked together they easily come apart when not under tension so care is needed not to lose any links.

The body has an opening engine cover and there is a nicely detailed engine underneath.  The hinge is stiff enough to enable the cover to stay open.

It rotates well and the boom and stick movement is good and the cylinders are stiff enough to hold any pose set.  The bucket has a very good range of movement and it would have been better if it could have been interchangeable with other tools.

Quality

This is very nice quality model with some very good detailing.  The paintwork and graphics are also very good.  A few more small graphics would have added to the look even more.

Price

NZG have produced a very good value model.

Overall

This is a very nice model of a Volvo machine.  It looks realistic and performs well, and is highly recommended.

Footnotes

The model first appeared as an NZG Summer release in Volvo colours in June 2010.  It was also produced in limited editions of 300 models in the colours of Loock and Van Dalen.

 
Profile view.
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Big boom and stick.
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Detail underneath.
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Fine grilles within the casting.
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Convincing detail around the body.
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Nice track details.
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Bucket detail is good.
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Together with its brothers in other colours, Loock and Van Dalen.
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Getting shifted on a Nooteboom Low Loader.
Loading a Volvo A40D.