 | | Volvo branded box. |  |  | | Tiny aerial behind the cab. |  | | Small front blade lowered. |  | | Detailed cab interior. |  | | Baby sized digger. |  | | It can load a low-sided tipper. |
| The Volvo EC20C is a compact excavator often used on small scale drain and utility works. The cab version modelled here has an operating weight of just under 2 tonnes, and a digging depth of around 2.5m.
Packaging
The box consists of shaped clear plastic formers held within an outer cardboard box. There were no defects or missing parts on the review model.
There is no information provided about the real machine or the model, and no assembly is required to display it. A bag includes two spare rubber tracks and a beacon light.
Detail
Even though the model is tiny the track drive mechanism is modelled on the inside of the tracks. The tracks are rubber with a realistic pattern, and the track frames and sprockets have some detail too.
The body is metal and it is a very good casting with plenty of details which are enhanced by careful painting. The cab has realistic seals on the tinted windows, and there are mirrors, lights and a metal grab rail, and a tiny aerial at the rear. Inside the cab the controls look good.
A small metal dozing blade is driven by a cylinder which is shaped, and the boom and arm are very detailed for their size including a protection plate for the boom cylinder and small hydraulic hoses.
The tiny bucket is a detailed casting.
Features
The rubber tracks can roll if the model is pushed in a straight line.
The dozer blade can be raised and lowered.
It rotates smoothly.
The range of movement on the boom, arm and bucket is very good. The whole arrangement can also shift side-to-side to facilitate offset digging.
Quality
This is a high quality model nearly all in metal, and is surprisingly good considering its small size. Some of the painting of small details is very good.
Price
Although initially appearing expensive for a very small model, the quality justifies the cost.
Overall
There are few 1:50 models as small as this one yet it feels heavy for the size and it is very good quality. It is highly recommended.
Footnotes
The model first appeared as an NZG Summer release in Volvo colours in June 2010.
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|  | | Profile view. |  | | Spare parts - tracks and beacon light. |  | | Good body detail. |  | | Underside. |  | | It reaches up high. |  | | Size comparison with a normal size tipper. |  | | It can dig at an offset angle. |
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