Volvo L60G Wheeled Loader

Presented here is the 1:50th scale Volvo L60G wheeled loader from Motorart. It is an update to the L60 line, replacing the previously released L60E. The updated casting is detailed well with some nice touches, although there are also some rather interesting engineering choices which somewhat spoil the model.

The tyres have a solidly moulded tread pattern with plastic wheel hubs highlighting the ring of fixing bolts and the articulating chassis frame has a reasonably range of movement. The underside of the chassis is reasonable with a front drive shaft modelled and an oscillating rear axle with some transmission block detailing.

The rear engine compartment is hinged and can be lifted up to reveal a plastic replica of the engine block, radiator housing and cooling fan. Unlike other Volvo models, the engine is completely void of colour with none of the nice decorating added. The rear counterweight does have integrated lights with red lenses and a tiny printed safety label.

The cabin has been modelled with a replicated interior which looks fine, highlighting the driver's seat and steering wheel while the outside of the cab is also nicely done with plastic grab rails, rear view mirrors and a front wiper added. Black printing has been applied to the glazing and an amber beacon is placed on the roof.

While the engine cover closes flush, the extending wheel covers that are glued in place are not quite aligned and look a little odd. The side grille printing is crisp, as are the machine's designation and Volvo logos and the paint finish is of a fairly high standard.

One of the most unexpected flaws with the model are the plastic rams which are not even painted silver to resemble pistons and these are not capable of keeping the arms raised high in the air. The rivets have large heads and are unpainted which is another small negative on the model.

When the Volvo L220G and L250G models were released, I believed Motorart had raised their game with all metal handrails, a detailed and decorated engine and, certainly in the case of the L220G, accurate movement of the loader arms. It is now dissapointing to see that the L60G is not as detailed, with plastic handrails, an un-decorated plastic engine casting and plastic hydraulic rams which don't even hold the arms in the air. While the recently released EC480D excavator has plastic rams,they are at least chromed whereas on the L60G, they are unpainted and make the model look toy like, something not expected on a high cost replica produced by Motorart. Smaller issues include unpainted silver rivet heads which don't look the best and the model assembly is also hit and miss, with glued parts not quite aligned.

Another dissapointing aspect is that both the L60G and L90G share the exact same castings. At least when they did this with the L150E/L180E/L220E, there were differences like the buckets and counterweights rather than just printing differences and when the previous L60E, L70E and L90E models were produced, they also shared the same casting but had a choice of attachments in the box allowing each to actually look different.