TWH 028 - Grove YB5515 Yard Crane
Model Review March 2008

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A petit model, but full of detail.

Grove box.

Inside the box.

All the parts out of the box.

The unusual look of an industrial crane.

The Grove YB5515 is a yard crane of the sort found in industrial premises. It is often used for pick-and-carry duties where the load can be positioned on the deck whilst it is transported.  This particular model was originally developed by Shuttlelift as part of the Carrydeck line which was acquired by the Manitowoc Crane Group in early 2007 and made part of the Grove product line.

The crane has a maximum capacity of 15 tons and can carry around 10 tons on the deck.  With the fly jib, the maximum height of lift is just over 20m.

This model is made in China by TWH and is 1:50 scale.

Packaging

Some good things come in small packages and this model is in that category.  The box is small and relatively plain, and the model is well packed within a pair of expanded polystyrene trays.  The review model had no defects or missing parts.

A small product guide brochure is included which gives information about the real crane.  It does not describe the model however, and there are some small parts which do not have an obvious purpose so an instruction sheet would have been helpful.  Also provided is a small plastic pointer which is a useful tool for opening the small parts on the model.

Detail

Although the model is small an initial inspection reveals that it is packed full of detail.

Underneath, the engine and transmission is modelled and the chrome exhaust system is particularly good with the pipe having a hole rather than being just a solid piece.  The tyres have a good tread and they are mounted on nice metal hubs.

The front and rear of the carrier deck have excellent small lenses for the lights, and there are tiny graphics as well as a towing hitch at the front.  The deck is textured in a subtle way to provide a non-slip surface for loads.  There are tie down points for securing loads and two wing mirrors at the front corners of the carrier. 

Detail in the driving cab is of an exceptional standard.  The controls include a bank of joysticks and foot pedals and tucked in behind the seat is a fire extinguisher.  There is an excellent set of warning notices and charts within the cab, all in tiny detail.  Outside, the cab has a windscreen wiper.

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