 |
| The box. |
 |
 |
| Dramatic colour
scheme. |
 |
| Big storage
box at the back. |
 |
| Superb
graphics. |
 |
| Metal fly
jib.
|
|
|
 |
| On the
road. |
 |
|
Self ballasting in progress. |
 |
| Graphics on
every jib section. |
 |
| Lifting a
Scania. |
|
The Tadano ATF220G-5 mobile crane has a maximum capacity
of 220 tonnes at 3m radius.
The crane has a maximum main boom length of 68m.
This model is the EM3 version of the crane and it is in the colours of the
Norwegian company Midtstøl.
Packaging
The model comes in a
Tadano-branded box design with the
model held within two expanded polystyrene trays. There
is some technical information about the real crane
printed on the box.
There were no missing parts
on the review model. The counterweight was
assembled incorrectly in the factory, but this was
easily corrected.
The model has a very good instruction manual. It
includes a parts list and clear photos showing the
assembly and features.
Detail
The chassis is highly detailed and it
has the transmission and suspension systems modelled in
metal.
The tyres are very good with a fine tread pattern, and Michelin
branding moulded in the sidewalls. The wheels have
different hubs for driven and non-driven axles.
The driving cab has a hitch for attaching a hook whilst travelling, there
are door steps and
the door handles are highlighted. There are mirrors, windscreen
wipers, and beacon lights. Interior
detailing is good. The Midtstøl graphics are
excellent.
Behind the driving cab the engine area is detailed with mesh
grilles and there are excellent walkway surfaces. Black
replica rubber skirts sit above each group of wheels,
and at the rear there is a storage box containing timbers.
The outrigger pads have a working pinning mechanism
which allows the pads to be fixed in an offset way so
they are within the footprint of the crane when the
outrigger beams are retracted, and there are locking
bars which keep the pads under the crane neatly. The
pistons are smooth with the screw mechanism being
internal so they look realistic.
Large metal spreader
plates with useable lifting points are also included
with the model.
The crane cab has metal grab rails with window wipers. The interior detail is also to a high
standard.
Underneath the crane body the slewing ring
is realistically modelled. The crane body has
hydraulic hoses and beacon lights to add detail.
Two sets of handrails are supplied, one of which is lowered
for transport mode, and a second which is for operating
mode.
The counterweight consists of a number of separate parts
and each one is capable of being displayed being lifted
as they have well-formed lifting points.
The main boom ram
is a very nice metal part
with hydraulics detailing. The boom sections
have realistic thin wall thicknesses giving a very good
profile. The boom head has silver metal sheaves.
Two metal hooks are supplied and they are excellent quality.
The metal lattice fly jib is modelled as two sections.
The casting has multiple small fixing eyes to join parts
but these are reasonably unobtrusive.
Features
All axles have independent steering which is
notched. Limited poses are possible but it does
prevent axles moving unintentionally.
There is
nice sprung suspension on each axle which works well.
The outriggers can be extended and lowered, and feature
an excellent pad pinning feature with fine wire clips.
The range of travel on the pistons is adequate if the
spreader plates are used, and the model can be supported
on the supplied spreader plates wheels-free.
The operator's cab does
not tilt as this happens internally on Tadano cranes.
A ladder on the carrier deck can be rotated and
lowered when the crane is in service.
The crane rotates smoothly without rocking.
The counterweight system can be fitted in various configurations,
including being mounted on the carrier deck during self-assembly.
The method of attaching the counterweight is excellent.
Two pistons can be screwed down and then the crane
rotated to engage the counterweight on the carrier deck.
It can then be lifted by screwing up the pistons and
this replicates the real crane system.
Raising the boom is easy with the locking mechanism on
the main boom ram using a key to tighten a grub screw
on the jacket top.
Telescoping the boom is smooth and easy with a
spring clip to lock each boom section. It is possible
to lock each section at either 46%, 92% or 100%
extension which is an excellent feature.
A key is used to operate the main winch.
It works very well, having a spring action to disengage
the positive brake.
Two hook blocks are supplied. The larger block has safety latches which are very
stiff.
The lattice fly jib can be left off the crane
or carried on the side of the main boom. It
attaches to the boom top with steel pins and a stiff
hydraulic ram provides offset capability. It could
be rigged with a hook at the mid-point and posed as a
short heavy lift jib as the top section is bolted and
can be removed.
Quality
This is a very detailed model with a high metal content
and the overall quality of the model is high.
The paintwork and graphics are excellent.
Price
It is
a good value limited edition model.
Overall
This is an excellent model in in unusual Midtstøl colours. It
looks particularly good when paired with a support truck
in the same colour scheme.
Footnotes
The model first appeared in October
2019.
|
|
|
|
 |
| The tray. |
 |
| Great
looking model. |
 |
| With a
support truck
in the same colours.. |
 |
| Branding on
the tyres. |
 |
| Moderate
steering angle. |
 |
| Ready to
load the counterweight. |
 |
| Fly jib can
be angled. |
|
|
 |
|
Fly jib attached. |
|
