 | | In the box, with window. |  |  | | Steering has a very shallow lock. |  | | The forks can be removed. |  | | Stabilisers down and a load on the forks. |
| The Komatsu WH613 is a telehandler with a capacity of 3.5 tonnes and it can lift to a maximum height of 12.7m.
Packaging
The box is in the usual style of Universal Hobbies models for Komatsu with a window for viewing the model. There is no information on the box about the real machine with just pictures of the model all of which interestingly show it with a shovel although this is not included in the box. The review model was undamaged. No instructions or other information is provided.
Detail
This is a detailed model and it starts underneath where there is some good detail of the transmission to each axle. The deeply treaded tyres sit on good hubs.
At the front the main stabiliser beam is metal but the stabilisers themselves are of plastic but thankfully the colour match is very good. The lights and mudguards are plastic but look authentic. The cab is detailed with a mirror, windscreen wipers and an orange beacon light. Detail inside the cab is good with a full set of controls and the seat has the Komatsu name imprinted.
At the back there are some fine small details in terms of warning notices and the Komatsu name formed into the casting at very small size. The rear light stalks are plastic.
The three stage boom appears to have a plastic centre section with the others being metal. The lowest boom section has hydraulic pipes within the casting and some fine flexible hydraulic lines. At the boom head there is a painted boom angle indicator, other tiny graphics and further hydraulic pipe work.
A set of plastic forks is provided.
Features
Both axles steer and for some reason the steering has been linked together although it seems fairly ineffective. Less satisfactory is the steering lock which on the front axle in particular is very small before the tyres foul the bodywork.
The stabilisers fold down and can hold the weight of the model, but only just. The boom elevates and can replicate the maximum angle of the original although on the review model the cylinder could not hold the boom at the steepest angle as it was too loose.
The boom extension works well and can hold any extension set. At the boom head the attachment tilts to hold the forks level. The forks can be detached from the boom head.
Quality
This model scores well for the detail provided, and the paintwork and graphics are good.
Price
This is a relatively cheap model for what is offered and so is very good value.
Overall
The Komatsu is a fine looking model and is of a similar level of detail as others in this series from Universal Hobbies. It is let down on the functionality side however where some more concentration on the model engineering could have produced an excellent result. Nonetheless it still sits well in a display with other models.
Footnotes
The model first appeared in 2007.
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|  | | Front view. |  | | There is some detail on the underside. |  | | Very small details at the boom head. |  | | Boom at the maximum extension. |  | | Loading up some gear for the National 1300H Boom Truck. |
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