1:32nd Scale Schäffer 4350Z wheel loader

Presented here is the 1:32nd scale Schäffer 4350Z wheel loader from Norscot. The model is supplied with a standard shovel and forage handling forks which are interchangable by fitting them to the quick coupler mounted to the loader arm.

The most striking thing on the model is the unusual open cab with ROPs safety frame and this does make the model look a little more interesting, especially as the cab detailing is fully visible.

The design of the loader arm is a little different to most loaders with two lift hydraulics allowing a very impressive bucket height to be achieved. One nice touch on the model is that where the pins fix the bucket linkage and loader arms to the frame, silver paint has been used to highlight the eliptical pin locking covers.

The operators seat has integral arm rests and side located joystick controls for the arm and bucket. The central control console has printed dials and guages on the panel with the steering wheel, complete with moulded steering assist knob fitted above.

The silver painted padels on each side of the steering console have a textured anti slip finish and above these are grab rails to ease access for the driver. The floor of the cab area also has a textured diamond plate finish and the moulded ROPs bar has cast hinge detail although it is not functional so cannot be folded down.

The large tyres have a tractor style moulded tread pattern with nice side wall detailing and are fitted to silver wheel hubs with red painted central section. Even the bolt heads have been painted red which is a nice touch.

The rear of the model has a vey crisp cast grill texture on the sides and rear panels with bonnet mounted exhaust pipe and filter. The pintle hitch is modelled but non functional and there are light clusters fitted to the bumper which have intricate lense detailing.

The forage fork attachment has an opening top frame with large spikes on the upper and lower sections and gives the model a very aggressive appearance when fitted to the coupler. Both attachments are made of plastic but this is so they fit onto the coupler without the need to use pins which tend to fall out and get lost.

This is a very good model of an interesting machine and the addition of the silage attachment is a nice touch. The paint finish is very good with crisp decals on the sides and rear bonnet and the model is packaged in a moulded clear plastic inner carton with outer printed cardboard box with clear windows.

Schäffer 4350Z and New Holland L175 skid steer for size comparison.