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| Hitachi branded box.
|
 |
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| Warning
graphics on the counterweight. |
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| Some detailing on
the body underside. |
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| Equipment at
the boom foot. |
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| Graphics on the
track frames. |
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| Opening engine
covers. |
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| Armoured hoses. |
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| Bucket is
riveted to the stick permanantly. |
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| Loaded on a
Goldhofer low loader. |
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| Loading an
articulated dump truck. |
|
 Comment on this model.
The Hitachi ZAXIS
470 LCH-5 is a large excavator with an operating weight
of around 49 tonnes in the modelled configuration. It has a
typical bucket capacity
of 1.9m³.
Packaging
The Hitachi
branded box has a table and a couple of graphics on the
box showing the dimensions and digging characteristics
of the real machine. Inside, the packaging consists of
a couple of
expanded polystyrene trays.
There were no defects or missing parts on the review
model.
It requires no assembly and is complete out of the box.
Detail
The metal tracks have detailed
double grouser shoes which is an unusual but valid track
configuration for a machine this size. They are mounted on good track frames but
the lower rollers are solid and non-functioning although
the upper rollers are moving parts. There
are a number of small graphics which add detail.
The cab is
excellent. On the outside there is a metal grab
rail which includes a mirror which is really nicely
silvered so it reflects fully. In addition to
wipers and lights there are very small graphics which
increase the realism. The sidewalk outside the cab
is finely modelled with perforations.
Inside the
cab the detailing is excellent with a sculpted floor, a full set of controls
and a computer console which has tiny graphics. The inside of the plastic
door has a fine grab rail and the Hitachi name is printed onto the seat.
The body casting has
panel doors with silver painted locks and there are warning
graphics on the counterweight. The access ladder
is finely detailed with textured steps. It is good
to see properly formed lifting eyes on the counterweight
and there is a rear video camera too.
The grilles on the right side are really good as engine
components are visible between the slats. There is
a high level of detail on top of the body with small
circular cover plates having bolt details. Under
the opening hatches the engine detail is reasonable.
The fat exhaust pipe has a hole and looks convincing.
The hydraulics to the main boom rams include a grey
plastic array which somehow does not look right but the
orange coloured pipework is very good. The
hydraulics on the top of the boom are top quality.
Hoses run from equipment in the body and the pipe array
on the boom is complex and looks realistic. Very
good armoured hoses are also used and they attach to small
connectors. The pipes extend to the end of the
stick to provide a power connection for hydraulic
tools. The ram jackets have a good colour match but the
plastic is not dense so they appear lighter under some
lighting conditions.
The boom and stick have other details within the
castings and the bucket is a good metal casting with side wear
plates although it is permanently riveted and not
removable.
Features
The tracks are stiff and reluctant to roll but they can
be turned by hand. They are tensioned with spring
loaded idlers and are made of individual hooked
links which separate easily if the tracks are removed
from the frames.
The body rotates smoothly and the boom, stick and bucket
have a good range of movement and can be posed in any
position.
The cab door can be opened to a wide angle.
The engine cover is hinged with a large bracket and can
be opened up and stays in the open position. A smaller
cover also opens.
Quality
This is another high quality detailed model from TMC
which is nearly all metal.
The paintwork and graphics
are to a high standard.
Price
This model maintains the very good value of recent
Hitachi Excavator models.
Overall
TMC has produced a highly detailed piece with good
functionality, but it would have been nice if the bucket
was removable. For the price it is another
outstanding Hitachi scale model.
Footnotes
The model first appeared in April 2013.
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|
Profile view. |
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| Great looking
model. |
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| Main grilles
are see-through so detail can be seen behind. |
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| Grey hydraulics
at the bottom of the rams look a little odd. |
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| Mesh sidewalk
is very good.
|
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|
Opening door and detailed cab.
|
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| Excellent
hydraulics on the boom. |
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| Reaching up. |
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| A larger size
excavator.
|
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| On the road. |
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