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Komatsu WA380-7 Wheel Loader

Maker:  NZG
Model No:  876
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  November 2014


NZG Index
Earthworks Equipment Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)8
Detail   (max 30)23
Features   (max 20)17
Quality   (max 25)21
Price   (max 15)10
Overall   (max 100)79%

Footnotes


Komatsu WA380-7 Wheel Loader Video [Youku Video]
Komatsu branded box.
Nice detailing at the rear.
Realistic loader arms.
Rear axle detail is good.  The inside faces of the wheels have detail too.
Cab is smart with tinted windows.
Good tipping angle.
On the way to site.
Realistic carry angle.
Comment on this model.

The Komatsu WA380-7 Wheel Loader has an operating weight of around 18 tonnes and a bucket  capacity of 2.9-4.0m³.  It has a Tier 4 Interim engine.

This model is a result of co-operation between NZG and Ken Kraft of Japan.

Packaging

The model comes in a Komatsu-branded box, with the model contained within a pair of expanded polystyrene trays. 

There were no defects or missing parts on the review model.

There are detailed technical line drawings of the real machine printed on the box.  There is no assembly to do as the model is complete. 

Detail

The chassis is very good with more detail than is usually seen on a model like this, and the transmission is particularly good.   The rubber tyres are high quality and are mounted on authentically detailed metal wheels which have the inside faces detailed too. 

At the rear the modelling is high quality with fine details in the casting including grilles and light clusters.  Paint is used to highlight details and the graphics on the engine cover are sharp.  The rear wheel arches are metal with metal handrails.

The stairs to the cab are metal with the grab rails being plastic, as are the mirrors and aerials on the cab. There are tinted windows with a nice Komatsu name band in the back window.  Inside the cab the console has some graphics.

Under the cab the front axle transmission crosses the pivot point although there are no hydraulics.

The front lights are plastic but the loader arm is metal and the connections are discrete friction pins.  Thin hydraulic hoses run to the rams.

The bucket is a clean and sharp casting, and a nice touch is the useable lifting eyes.

Features

It rolls very smoothly.  The rear axle oscillates significantly, and the steering is pleasantly stiff and it achieves a realistic angle.

The bucket achieves a good cut angle and a good carry position.  The height of lift is realistic and the tipping angle is good too.

Quality

This is a high quality model with some very sharp casting details.  There are a few plastic parts. 

The paintwork and graphics are very good.

Price

It is a little more expensive than some similar sized wheel loaders.

Overall

This is another high quality Komatsu model from NZG.  The casting details are very good and the functionality is faithful to the real machine.

Footnotes

The model was first announced at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2014 and became available in September 2014.

 
Carry angle is good.
Profile view.
Nice grilles at the rear.
Detailed chassis.
Detail at the pivot point.
 
Loading a road tipper.
Sharp looking model.