Case 580ST Backhoe Loader
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Case 580ST backhoe loader which has been produced by Universal Hobbies. The Case backhoe loader was first introduced back in 1957 as the Model 320 and since then, continuous development and technological advances have refined the popular backhoe loader concept giving us today’s “T Series” machine with a Tier 4i/Stage IIIB emission standard engine, numerous innovative features and excellent low operating and ownership costs.
The original scale models were produced in the larger 1:35th scale to highlight the various functional aspects of the full sized machine but as model making technology has progressed, the later backhoe models have been produced in the smaller 1:50th scale without any loss of detail or functionality.
The latest release from Universal Hobbies shows just how much detailing can be added to a model while keeping good functionality. Everywhere you look, you are hit with fine detailing making this release from Universal Hobbies very realistic.
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The flexible hydraulic hosing is particularly well applied with a good range of movement of the rear digging equipment although the range of rotational movement of the boom is limited due to the addition of the small functional slewing cylinders. The king post can be moved to any position along the rear frame with good surface detailing seen on the castings for added realism. The extending stick can be adjusted taking care not to damage the flexible hoses. |
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The backhoe has a fairly good range of movement, especially the bucket linkage and the hydraulics are fairly stiff on the review models, so will hold position. The stabilisers feature pivoting pads and can be lowered although they only just about touch the ground so it is not possible to pose the model with the rear wheels raised.
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The front arms are fitted with both flexible and silver painted fixed piping which is again authentically done, right down to the feeds for the opening 4-in-1 bucket. A red painted safety locking bar has been fitted to the arm for servicing and the bucket features shaped teeth and small hydraulics operating the clam bucket. |
The front wheels are mounted to a steering axle which achieves a reasonable degree of movement, complete with integral plastic wheel arches while all the tyres have a good tread definition and nicely finished wheel hubs with highlighted bolt heads.
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The cabin interior has been accurately replicated with a light coloured interior highlighting all the interior contours. The seat is fixed in the forward position with a central steering column with steering wheel, side controls for the front bucket and to the rear, levers for controlling the backhoe. The roof has inset front, side and rear facing work lights with painted lenses and a radio antenna positioned on the roof. |
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The cab frame has extending rear view mirrors along with front facing light housings which again have painted lenses. Grab handles and windscreen wipers finish off the fine detailing of the cabin.
There are a lot of fine plastic parts on the model so careful handling is needed and, as with most Universal Hobbies models, all the connections are made with tiny screws. I have to say that they are very small and each has been painted so they don’t really detract from a very impressive and realistic looking replica.
