Review: CAT Job Sites Machine Motorized Wheel Loader Toy Truck (Video Demo)

We have had more than our fair share of rainy days here in Massachusetts over the past few weeks.  Our children had waited quite some time to take their new CAT Job Sites Machine Motorized Wheel Loader outside to test out on "real" terrain.  When the day finally came that it was sunny out and we were not running from one activity to another, our 5 year old son (who was the one who chose which CAT truck we should test out) threw a kink in our plans.  After we explained to him that, once we took this truck outdoors to play with in the dirt, it was going to be an outdoor-only toy from that moment on, he suddenly decided that he did not want to take it outside.  Personally, I think it was a smart decision.  This way he can play with this truck all year round, rain or shine.

This Wheel Loader is just one of many CAT toy trucks offered by Toy State.  I had my eye on the Excavator, but our son thought this one looked the coolest and it turned out that he made a great choice.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

This truck (batteries included) is recommended for ages 3+ and is extremely user-friendly.  There are only four buttons on the roof and one lever on the side as far as controls go . . . much easier to operate than a remote controlled vehicle.  The forward and back buttons each trigger a driving motion accompanied by the realistic sounds of a construction truck, including beeping while it backs up.  The square button triggers different sound effects, such as the phrase "Let's build something!"  The round button causes music to play and the headlights to flash.  The lever on the side of the truck can be pushed forward or backwards to make the front-mounted bucket go up and down.

Please take a minute to see this CAT Wheel Loader in action . . . 

One thing we learned is that the truck's forward and back motions are timed rather than stopping after it has traveled a certain distance.  If the truck gets stuck driving over a pile of bricks, it will still stop after about 4 seconds even if it has only moved a few inches.

I would say our son's favorite thing about this truck, aside from the sound effects, is that it can drive over "rough terrain" when the bucket is raised up off the ground.  Our daughter enjoyed playing with this toy, as well, but she was more deliberate when using it and planned out the truck's placement and angle.  Our son had a more "let's just start it and see what happens" approach.

To learn more about these CAT toy construction trucks, visit ToyState.com.


Thank you to ToyState for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon.

Holiday 2010 Review: Tonka Rumblin' Chuck Toy Truck

"Work time is play time with Rumblin’ Chuck, the electronic dump truck pal! Chuck has lots of loads to haul and needs your help. Load his dump bed and he’ll actually know when he’s full and tell you about it!" He has over 50 phrases and sounds, so he’s hours and hours of entertainment for toddlers and preschoolers. Plus, he comes with a story book that kids love.

Most of the children in our daycare here have fallen in love with this toy dump truck. He is funny, entertaining, and definitely unique. I do have one kid that is afraid of him, but it’s just because he moves so unexpectedly sometimes. I can honestly say that even I have played with Chuck. The things he does and says just crack me up. He is a fun toy for all children (unless they’re scared of toys that move on their own) and would make a great Christmas gift for any young child 3 years and older.

Please take a minute to watch Chuck in action . . .

Chuck is as Tonka-tough as you’d expect and definitely isn’t a “cheapie” toy that will break quickly. You can expect that Rumblin’ Chuck will be around to play with and be enjoyed for many years to come.

You can buy Rumblin’ Chuck at HasbroToyShop.com and most major retailers of Tonka toys. He retails for approximately $39.99. He does require 4 “C” batteries to operate, which are included, so that is one less thing to worry about on Christmas morning.

Thank you to Hasbro for sending us a complimentary product sample to base this review upon.

Holiday 2010 Review: PLAYMOBIL Heavy Duty Mobile Crane

We recently received the Maxx7 Playmobil Heavy Duty Mobile Crane play set for review. I seriously could not tell who was more excited to try this set out, the kids or myself.

The crane and its accessories are high quality and very detailed. Assembly was not complicated but I would recommend an adult put the Maxx7 together. There are dozens of decals that need to be applied and some string that requires some delicate attention to be done correctly. Once assembled the Maxx7 is great looking and cool as any toy I have tinkered with.

The crane has ratcheting mechanisms to help keep the boom up and secure. The winch and pulley system are well thought out and fool proof. I don’t anticipate much tangling during play which plagues other crane sets I have experienced over the years. Although the Maxx7 is a quality toy, there are some elements that need to be handled with care; I would not recommend the Maxx7 for kids outside of the toys intended age of 4 and up. I was also careful to show my 7 year old how a few of the features worked so he would not accidentally force something and break it.

The Maxx7 comes with a couple of operators, a giant boulder for lifting, and some real blinking safety lights (nice touch!). This toy comes with 2 CR 1632 batteries, but they are not replaceable.

Overall the Maxx7 is a well designed and high quality toy. Crane toys in general are hit or miss and Playmobil clearly hit on the Maxx7. My son has spent many hours playing with this toy so far and it seems to be a favorite. There may be an adult in the house that feels the same way…you can guess who!

To learn more about this toy construction crane, visit PlaymobilUSA.com . You should be able to find this toy most places where Playmobil products are sold.

Thank you to Playmobil for sending us a complimentary sample product to base this review upon.