Radio Controlled EC280MG excavator is a big, bad Tonka come to life (video)

We don't cover all that many radio controlled objects on this program because, well, there are just so many of them. But, every now and again we catch sight of a truly special one, something like this excavator from Modellismo Maximo that's been around for awhile but we thought you'd want to check it out regardless. It's an RC version of the Despe EC280MG, scaled down to 1:14.5 scale and weighing in at an impressive 31.5kg (about 70lbs). It has six axes of movement and is just perfect for loading up the back of your toy trucks -- and then hauling them away, as you can see in a series of videos after the break (each with worse music than the previous). How much to get in on this kind of fun? A mere €4,160 -- $5,630. Nobody said diggin' like this would be cheap.

[Atkins Posted Apr 4th 2010 10:20AM]

Why this excavator has a cabin?

[Almo Posted Apr 4th 2010 10:20AM]

@Atkins

Lego-men, duh!

[Atkins Posted Apr 4th 2010 10:22AM]

@Almo Wouldn't that add to the price?

[Almo Posted Apr 4th 2010 10:26AM]

@Atkins

D'oh! Like it really matters in this case...

[Jayratch Posted Apr 4th 2010 12:18PM]

@Atkins Because it's a scale model of the real one that also has a cabin.

[Atkins Posted Apr 4th 2010 10:51PM]

@Jayratch Got me there. That was obvious... :)

[kopmis Posted Apr 4th 2010 10:27AM]

If excavator drivers do maneuvers like in the second video in real life, then they just gained a lot more respect from me...

[Kaboof Posted Apr 4th 2010 10:52AM]

@kopmis I wonder if this thing isnt waaaay to overpriced to use it like in the video... or... to use it at all.

[newone Posted Apr 4th 2010 11:36AM]

@kopmis

They do, but not quite that steep slopes.

Theres no safety belt on the seat so that steep inclines would drop the driver from his seat. And the fuel+ hydraulic oil tanks would leak on top of the machine. For example hitachi ex200 has a 35 degrees limit on gradeability.

They do a similar movement with some trailers. Lift front up, and drive front on top of trailer. Lift back and the machine on trailer.

[CyberMaster Posted Apr 4th 2010 1:08PM]

@kopmis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ALv454sYKY

[BetterHideMyUsername Posted Apr 5th 2010 8:58AM]

@kopmis just caught it from digg

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=RobaJKGMMiE

[kopmis Posted Apr 5th 2010 10:48AM]

@BetterHideMyUsername
"Meanwhile, in Germany..."

[MikeZ Posted Apr 4th 2010 10:34AM]

a) Make it controllable through a cell phone like those helicopter drones a while ago and you have a sale.
b) After hearing this song I just have to dig out the movie again.

[A25i Posted Apr 4th 2010 11:56AM]

@MikeZ
Because all the complex motions this thing is capable of can truly be manipulated on a phone?
Oh, LAG! 6K goes tumbling own the stairs. Moron.

[MikeZ Posted Apr 4th 2010 1:38PM]

@A25i Come back once you gain a sense of humor

[simbadogg Posted Apr 4th 2010 3:14PM]

@MikeZ
what song is this...tried to find it w/ shazaam no luck.

[MikeZ Posted Apr 4th 2010 3:24PM]

@simbadogg The following link should have the information you're looking for: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSSJfrOmR1A

[simbadogg Posted Apr 4th 2010 3:49PM]

@MikeZ
oh man....thanx!!!

[cf18 Posted Apr 4th 2010 10:35AM]

I am getting the Lego Technic 8043 instead - also have RC control for same range of actions. US$240, expected to be released in August.

[Jaco Posted Apr 4th 2010 10:53AM]

Wonder how it will do in robotwars. :D

[Vol Posted Apr 4th 2010 11:17AM]

"WOOOOWWWW! WHAT A LOW PRICE!"

[Okjeff171 Posted Apr 4th 2010 11:24AM]

Should it read six "axes" six "axis"? Just wondering

[Gordonator Posted Apr 4th 2010 11:29AM]

@Okjeff171

If there's six, it's a plural. Axes.

[tacovsgrilledcheese Posted Apr 4th 2010 11:30AM]

but can I control this with my iPad?

[Shunnabunich Posted Apr 4th 2010 12:12PM]

@tacovsgrilledcheese
Not *yet*.

[newone Posted Apr 4th 2010 11:38AM]

It wouldnt surprice me if some nuclear facilities, or hazard mat cleanup firms took a serious look at this for some haz mat work.

[A25i Posted Apr 4th 2010 11:58AM]

@newone
You realize, this RC toy is the size of a football right?

There are plenty of unmanned and remote operated FULL SIZE and REAL vehicles like this available for some time.

[newone Posted Apr 4th 2010 12:12PM]

@A25i

That you can get into a cellar? Or inside nuclear facility?

Not all hazmat is dropped from a truck. There are some tight places that may need cleaning, and this is nearly ideal for that.

[Bocefuss4500 Posted Apr 4th 2010 11:42AM]

it's not over priced but better detailed model are done by wedico from www.gardentrucking.com if your into this type thing they average $4000 to $8000 fully done up i cant afford one but still nice .. thought i do have $10,000 in r/c's just not in one and has taken 14 years to get there ...

[A25i Posted Apr 4th 2010 12:02PM]

@newone
You realize, this RC toy is the size of a football right?

There are plenty of unmanned and remote operated FULL SIZE and REAL vehicles like this available for some time.

[frippi Posted Apr 4th 2010 12:10PM]

Make a set with the truck and I'm sold!

[Shunnabunich Posted Apr 4th 2010 12:11PM]

Anyone else read that as "Derpe" at first? Derpe derp?

[Wiggy Fuzz Posted Apr 4th 2010 12:39PM]

the human race would be doomed if a real excavator could do that.

i'm having visions of honda's asimo piloting a full sized excavator, chasing down the last remnants of humanity.

even up cliffs... *assumes foetal position and rocks back and forth sucking thumb*

[soccerman10 Posted Apr 4th 2010 1:28PM]

this makes pulling weeds A LOT easier ...

[Colin S Posted Apr 4th 2010 3:01PM]

@soccerman10
Easier, no...funner, yes.

[MRCUR Posted Apr 4th 2010 2:24PM]

I kinda want one...

[vanmankline Posted Apr 4th 2010 5:18PM]

@MRCUR

For an extra $5000 you can get a used Komat'su PC30MR. A bit bigger, not radio controlled, but it will still fit through the front door.

[okeribok Posted Apr 4th 2010 4:20PM]

This is a pretty sweet bargain, as the price scaled just about linearly with the 1:14.5 scale.

[Bahumbug Posted Apr 5th 2010 7:18AM]

Here are some true, down to the bolts scale models:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSAlfv6RD34

Dont miss some of the other videos by this guy - his models are all 100% self made. Cant buy these babies.

[TimStevens Posted Apr 5th 2010 7:18AM]

@Bahumbug That is amazing.