Massey Ferguson 9407 Telehandler

Presented here is the 1:32nd scale Massey Ferguson 9407 telehandler from Universal Hobbies. Two versions of the model have been produced, one with bale grab and the one reviewed here with a grapple bucket.

The single stage telescopic boom can be raised to a reasonable height and the twin hydraulics are stiff enough to allow the boom to be posed at any position.

The bucket has been modelled well with re-enforcing plates located on the inside with simulated bolt-on end sections, complete with highlighted fixing bolts. The pivoting grapple has nicely defined spikes with pointy ends and the hydraulics allow it to remain in the open position.

The engine compartment has a ridged cooling grill on the top surface along with an inset area where the handle is located. The exhaust pipe is visible exiting the rear of the housing and the printing on the side is crisply applied.

The rear chassis has integrated counterweight sections highlighted red with a towing linkage fixed to the rear upright, topped with silver highlighting of the electrical sockets. Rear facing light housings extend from each side of the chassis and have tinted plastic lenses with red, orange and white segments which look very realistic.

The undercarriage features all wheel steer with each axle achieving a reasonable range of steering movement with good detailing of the axles and drivetrain on the underside of the chassis. The tyres have a deep moulded ridged tread pattern with cream coloured rims and grey hubs while the plastic guards over the wheels rotate with the wheels, although they are a little flimsy.

Typical for Universal Hobbies, the cab interior has been replicated well with all the various hand and foot controls modelled. The interior of the cab is finished in a cream colour with a contoured side panel highlighting the dials and switches. The grey seat has a ridged support with hand brake lever visible. The curved main windscreen has wipers fitted with a protective grill mounted inside the cab to protect the driver whilst the cab frame has integrated lifting eyes, front facing lights and a rear view mirror.

The paint finish is very good with crisp and accurate printing of the Massey Ferguson markings on the cab door, boom and engine cover. This is another good addition to the vastly expanding range of 1:32nd scale telehandler models from Universal Hobbies.