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Kramer Allrad 850 Wheel Loader

Maker:  Universal Hobbies
Model No:  8070
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  November 2009


Universal Hobbies Index
Roadworks Equipment Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)9
Detail   (max 30)21
Features   (max 20)14
Quality   (max 25)18
Price   (max 15)14
Overall   (max 100)76%

Footnotes


The Kramer Allrad 850.
In the box, with window.
Steering has a limited travel.
Linked steering for the two axles.
Clamshell bucket.
The Kramer Allrad 850 is one of a large number of such machines in the range offered by Kramer.  The model number indicates the bucket size which in this case is 0.85m³.  In all it weighs around 4.5 tonnes.  A feature of the machine is the four wheel steering which is claimed to offer more manoeuvrability than articulated steering.

Packaging

The box is a cardboard sleeve which wraps around a plastic display case, and it has some basic specifications about the real machine and a few photos printed on the box.  The review model had no defects or missing parts.

To remove the model from the display case some screws have to be undone from underneath so it is very secure inside the case, and it is also well protected from dust.  There is nothing to assemble on the model.

Detail

The tyres have a good tread pattern and are mounted on plastic hubs which have the wheel nuts detailed.  The cab has grab rails, mirrors and windscreen wipers.  Inside, the cab has the controls detailed including a very small red knob on the steering wheel for one-handed steering, which is a tiny and nice detail.  At the rear, the metal cast body has fine detail including a replica but non-functional towing point.  There are some very small but well formed graphics.

The hydraulic cylinders on the front lift mechanism have hydraulic hoses running to them, and the casting details are good.  The bucket is nicely cast also.

Features

Both axles steer and they are linked together.  However the angle that can be achieved is fairly limited as the tyres become fouled on the wheel arches.  Also a couple of the wheels on the review model were very stiff, meaning that the model did not roll easily although that is not an issue if it is to be displayed inside the display case.

The bucket can be raised to a reasonable height, and the tipping angle is good.  It also has an opening clamshell arrangement which works well.

Quality

Although the model has a fair amount of plastic within the cab and the front mud guards, the quality is high and the plastic does not show.  The paintwork and graphics are very good.

Price

This model is small, but is good value at a relatively inexpensive price.

Overall

The Kramer Allrad 850 is typical of recent Universal Hobbies models in that it is very well detailed with a careful but good use of plastic to keep the price down.  The inclusion of the display case is a nice touch which adds to make the model highly recommended overall.

Footnotes

The model first appeared in September 2009.

 
It has its own plastic display case.
Rear end.
Very detailed cab.
Tipping angle is good.