 | | The Tadano branded box. |  |  | | Impressive on the road. |  | | Realistic number plate. |  | | Hook attached for transport. |  | | Sharp Mediaco graphics. |  | | Opening cover. |  | | Nice controls. |  | | Another opening panel. |  | | Mesh grilles. |  | | Lifting a Tadano weight. |  | | Offset fly jib. |
|  Comment on this model.
The Tadano ATF-70G is a 70 tonne capacity crane. The maximum hook height is 61m and the counterweight is 15 tonnes.
This model is in the colours of Mediaco, the French lifting and transport company.
Packaging
The model comes in a Tadano branded box containing a couple of expanded polystyrene trays.
There were no defects or missing parts on the review model.
There is no information on the real machine included, but there is a very good instruction manual which clearly lists all the parts and describes the functionality of the model.
Detail
The carrier chassis is very detailed with the suspension and transmission modelled, and various tanks are present. The wheels have hard rubber road tyres on detailed hubs, with the first undriven axle having slightly different hubs.
The carrier cab has nice lights and some detailed graphics including a realistic fleet number and number plate. A small loop at the front allows the hook to be attached during transport. Underneath a fixed ladder is modelled. Behind the cab there are some fine quality mesh panels and non-slip surfaces extend to the rear. At the back the lights have plastic lenses.
The outriggers have detailed metal beams and pistons on each leg which do not show a screw thread. There are adjustable pads with transport locks, and a set of plastic spreader plates is also included.
The crane cab has metal grab rails and windscreen wipers. Inside the detailing is very good with a computer console and joysticks modelled.
Detail on the crane body includes metal handrails (which are permanently folded into a transport position), hydraulic cables and tiny graphics, and nicely modelled components. A very detailed engine is revealed under the opening engine covers. The counterweight is made up of four separable plates.
A particularly nice aspect is the main boom hydraulic ram which is all metal.
The five stage telescopic boom is metal and the bottom section has a metal spool, a pair of lights and holders for the boom extension, one of which is articulated. At the boom head the silver pulley block appears to be a solid piece. The Mediaco graphics on each boom section are really good.
The boom extension is metal and is cast well, and it has a pop out guide pulley. There is a hydraulic cylinder which controls the angle of this boom.
The hook is metal and has two pulleys. It comes ready reeved with four falls. The hook is less useful on the extension boom however where either a single line hook or a hook block with an odd number of pulleys would have been better. A safety cut-out chain hangs from the boom top and it and the hoist rope connector are pinned so they can be transferred to the extension boom, although they do not fit well into the holes on it.
A metal ingot bearing the name 'Tadano' is supplied as a display load.
Features
All axles steer to a degree with the driven axles having a 'notched' feel. They are independent so all modes of steering can be reproduced. Each axle also has sprung suspension.
The outrigger beams extend out, and the pads can be lowered and will support the crane 'wheels-free'. The design of the pads is such that they can be locked into a transport position.
The crane body has two opening panels to provide access to the crane engine.
The counterweight is detachable and can be either stowed on the carrier deck or attached to the crane. It can also be attached in a reduced configuration.
The crane cab does not tilt because on Tadano cranes the cockpit tilts within the cab.
The crane functions work well with the hoist operated by a supplied key. The boom sections lock into place when extended, and as the extension boom is pinned to the main boom side it does not fall off when the boom is raised.
The boom ram is locked with a small key turning a grub screw and it works very well.
The extension boom can be attached and also has a fold out section so two lengths can be chosen. The angle of the boom is controlled by a cylinder which was stiff enough on the review model to hold a pose.
Quality
This is a high quality model with plastic used appropriately.
The paint and graphics are very good.
Price
It is good value for a limited edition.
Overall
This is a very attractive version of the ATF-70G with the Mediaco colours standing out. The metal boom cylinder is a nice touch and with the high detail level the model is outstanding.
Footnotes
The model was first shown in Tadano colours at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in February 2013.
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|  | | The tray and manual. |  | | Profile view. |  | | Very good chassis detail. |  | | The extension boom stowed on the side of the boom. |  | | Handrails are folded for transport. |  | | Detailed cab interior. |  | | Realistic outrigger. | |
|  | | Great graphics on the boom sections. |  | | Boom partially extended. |  | | Very nice model. |
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