The EW160E wheeled excavator is the latest Volvo machine to get the LEGO treatment.
The new model has 1,166 individual elements and a built in pneumatic drive system. It is an approximately 1:20 scale model of a Volvo EW160E wheeled excavator. The EW160E material handling machine has been designed to resemble the real thing in both looks and functionality. The new pneumatic system uses pressurised air to replicate how a real machine works with its hydraulic system. This provides power to the main boom and the grab bucket. The model also has other realistic functions, such as the raising and lowering of the cab, and the steering and the outriggers, which come down from the chassis to steady the machine when it’s working.
LEGO® Technic worked closely with Volvo CE throughout the development process, ensuring that the model was accurate in both looks and functionality. They went through several phases of development to ensure that they didn’t miss a thing. To ensure its design was as accurate as possible, the LEGO team got the chance to visit the factory in Konz, Germany, where real life EW160Es are put together. By walking down the production line, they were able to see the different stages of the design. They also got the chance to climb onto the machine and get in the cab. LEGO even included the brand new orange handrails and guards which will appear on new machines, which are only now beginning to be rolled out on the real machines. Source: http://www.volvoce.com/constructionequipment/corporate/en-gb/press_room/press_releases/pages/press_releases.aspx