Vermeer TG7000 Tub Grinder
The TG7000 Tub Grinder is deployed on large land clearance and organic waste processing applications and is Powered by a 1000hp Caterpillar diesel engine at it's heart with a hammer mill cutting system to grind the largest of objects with ease. The 1:50th scale replica has captured all the details of the full sized machine with meticulous accuracy as every feature of the machine has been authentically reproduced. The large tub is housed on a tilting frame which uses a multi-stage hydraulic piston to raise it to 90 degrees to reveal the cutting drum, gearbox and both flexible and fixed hydraulic piping within.
The screens for the milling assembly are supplied in the box and can be stored in the holders on the side of the chassis during transport. The screens are made from a metal mesh panel with re-enforced frame and these pieces slide into the housing around the hammer mill head. Once in place, the anvil bar needs to be fitted which locates into the slots in the housing. Once in place, the tub housing can be lowered and the grinder is ready for operation.
The drum has intricate hammer detailing in a spiral pattern along the surface of the drum, which is connected to the engine through the fully replicated gearbox and drive shafts which rotate freely. Additional detailing includes the hydraulic distribution block and the frame surfaces have an anti-slip texture. The TORS (Thrown Object Restraint System) is mounted to the tub frame and uses a spring to keep it tentioned against the tub edge. This mechanism can be lifted and rotated away from the tub and stored along the side of the engine housing just like on the full sized machine.
At the heart of the engine compartment is the fully replicated diesel engine complete with exhaust silencer, oil filters, hydraulic and cooling pipework and large radiator panel, complete with large bladed fan which is visible by opening the large door panels on each side of the housing. In front of the engine is the cooling systems which are accessed by opening the two large open grill doors which reveal the open space where the cool air is circulated.
Another interesting feature on the model is the small locking bars fitted to the large stabiliser legs which need to be operated to lock the legs in the lowered or raised position as required. This is a nice addition to the model and demonstrates the intricate features found throughout the model.
The front of the model has holes where the service lines from the tractor can be connected up. Above this is a large tank with compressor mounted to the side of the platform. Several safety cones are supplied with the model and they fit on the moulding just behind the compressor and this is a nice addition on the model and something that most manufacturers would not even consider which again demonstrates the extra levels TWH go to when developing a model.
In transport mode, the entire cab can be tilted 90 degrees backward (as pictured left) and there is a slight resistance when raising it so that is locks in the upright position by friction which is a welcomed touch.
The loader boom is operated from the small cab which has a detailed interior with controls and driver's seat all visible through the glazed windows and opening side door. The access steps have a very fine photo-etched anti-slip surface with accurately scaled grab rails, several of which need fitting to the model once unpacked. The front window has a protective metal safety screen fitted which has a fine mesh pattern.
The control panel has been fully replicated with accurate printing of the switches, dials and display screen on the main panel which is revealed by opening the top and side protection screens which fold in for transport and when extended, protect the operator from flying debris. To the side of the control panel are a set of photo-etched fold out steps to give access to the cab and upper deck of the grinder.
The rear of the model features a single piece rubber conveyor belt which travels beneath the hammer mill with a fine textured pattern moulded into the surface. The conveyor can be raised and folded into the transport configuration and four hydraulic cylinders allow the conveyor to be fully positioned as required.
The rear frame of the grinder has a fold down access step, complete with red painted grab handles while rubber mud flaps, complete with Vermeer printed logos are fitted to the chassis. Flexible piping has been added to the conveyor drive motor and hydraulic cylinders and a large hinged plate is fitted below the conveyor with small chains. Even the intricate metal cage around the main conveyor roller has been replicated which really adds to the level of detail
In transport configuration, the loader boom and stick are extended along the top of the main housing with the grapple located to the side of the conveyor. The stick has a cast bracket which locates with the top edge of the tub to hold the boom in position.
The tub can be rotated smoothly and a flexible rubber drive belt has been added to the tub to simulate the chain drive found on the full sized machine. This is a nice touch that only TWH would consider as most other manufacturers would have cast the drive chain detailing into the tub casting
The grapple has small hydraulics that allow it to be positioned as required with flexible hydraulic lines fitted to the rotating head of the attachment. Silver coloured metal piping has been added to the stick and boom with flexible hoses at the articulation points and this really gives the model a realistic look. The TG7000 is supplied complete with a Peterbilt 379 tractor unit which is finished in a black colour scheme with Vermeer logos printed on the cab doors. The 379 is a Sword model and it is good to see it's inclusion with the TG7000.
The rear fenders have detailed diamond plate pattern with flexible rubber mud flaps and tool box and authentic air and electrical service lines have been added which can be connected to the TG7000.
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The rear of the cab features a headache rack with chains, binders and lights authentically reproduced and is finished off with the addition of a folded tarpaulin sheet for that extra bit of realism. The day cab features a fully detailed interior which is visible through the clear windows and opening doors. The roof has mounting locations for two designs of air horn, both of which are supplied in the box along with a set of door mounted wing mirrors. |
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The bonnet can be opened revealing a fully detailed engine compartment with detailed engine block and radiator which is just about visible through the etched mesh stainless steel front grill. The tractor is finished with side mounted hollow chrome exhaust stacks and chrome fuel tanks on each side of the chassis while die-cast wheels with authentic rubber tyres, complete with Michelin tread pattern finish off a highly detailed replica. |
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The model is securely packaged in a two piece polystyrene carton with outer printed box and two small leaflets are included which give details of the full sized machine and an assembly guide. This is another amazing model from TWH Collectibles with an excellent level of engineering throughout