Liebherr TA230 Articulated Dump Truck "Updated Design 2"
The Liebherr range of articulated haulers has been in development for a number of years and, at the Bauma trade show in 2010, the first truck was finally launched. Rated at 30 ton with a 19 cubic metre dump body, the truck is powered by a 367hp 6-cylinder Liebherr D936 L A6 turbo-charged diesel engine. The electronically controlled automatic power-shift transmission has 8 forward and 4 reverse gears to offer an impressive 57km/h travel speed. The rocker arm front axle with hydro-pneumatic cushioning cylinders and heavy duty rear axles with self-locking transverse differential give the truck excellent mobility in the most demanding underfoot conditions. The truck has already seen numerous changes since it's launch and this is the third version of the model, reflecting the updates and modifications made to the full sized truck.
The main difference on the third version of the model is the redesigned tailgate which features a flat door panel with a curved shape to the arms. The cab is identical to the second version of the model, having a more defined body shape with additional cast detailing over the first version. The front grill is smaller and the cast ridge detail has been removed. The casting includes small handles and a highlighted panel on the side.
There are flexible access steps on both sides of the chassis with more steps integrated into the side panels with a diamond plate surface texture. Self fit safety railings and poles, complete with integrated rear view mirrors are supplied in the box and fit snugly into the holes in the casting on both sides of the cab. Another nice addition is the photo-etched cooling jacket fitted over the exhaust stack. The roof mounted amber beacons and scaled plastic grab rail running round the top of the cab add to the realism with a mesh screen fixed over the rear window. The cab interior has been replicated, as expected from Conrad and is visible through the clear glazed windows.
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The rear axles are made from plastic and have drive hub and driveline detailing with pivoting suspension which works well. One of the interesting finds on the model is the tensioned front axle which actually simulates the hydro-pneumatic cushioning found on the full sized truck. The tyres have a crisp and accurate moulded tread pattern with plastic wheel hubs that show the bolt fixing details. |
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The dump body has been fitted with a functioning tailgate which is pinned in place and uses flexible plastic bars to operate as the body is raised. This is a nice addition on the model and works very well with the body able to tip to a very good and realistic height. It is interesting that the tailgate on the full sized truck is annodized with a silver finish which has been nicely captured on the model. The open structural detailing of the tailgate arms has been captured well on this third version with raised bumps simulating the fixing bolts.
Black plastic mud guards have been added to the body and there is a slight flex in them, simulating the stiff rubber guards fitted to the real truck. Flexible hydraulic lines have been added between front and rear chassis for extra detailing and the articulated steering achieves a good degree of turn with twin hydraulics and simulated safety bar which is finished in red. The paint finish is very good throughout with crisp printing of the Liebherr logos and the release of this version shows the dedication from both Liebherr and Conrad to ensure the model reflects every detail of the latest full sized version.
