Bruder 02430 Liebherr L 574 Articulated Road Loader Toy - Realistic Construction Vehicle for Kids, Durable Playtime & Sandbox Fun

So I purchased this loader and the Mack dump truck for my son as outside toys. These are actually my first Bruder toys and I must say, I am highly impressed. When I was little, I had the steel Tonka toys (which I loved) and that is actually what I wanted to get my son. But while browsing Amazon, I stumbled upon the Bruder brand. The toys looked realistic, received very good reviews, and were priced only a little more than some of the Tonka steel toys I was looking at (which weren't as highly rated as Bruder). My one misgiving was these toys were made of plastic, which I hate about most new kids toys. When I received the toys, I was really impressed before even taking them out of the box (which is also packed greatly--no annoying ties, plastic or whatever--simply open the box and pull out the toy) just by the look. They really are detailed and very appealing to the eyes. When I took out the toy, I was actually impressed with the feel of it. It isn't some cheap plastic but is more durable (I have no idea the difference but it is obviously not the flimsy type) and tough feeling. The body of the loader is sturdy (although it does come with flimsy side mirrors) and the loader function is pretty well thought up. There are a few levers that allow to dump the shovel and lower it. One difference (and a difference maker in my opinion) between the Bruder and Tonka brands are the tires. The loader has tread tires made of rubber (I believe) and go VERY smoothly over both a hard floor and the yard outside. Tonka tires are made of hard plastic and definitely don't roll as smoothly. When pushing them around, it is obvious the difference. Another difference I have noticed is that Tonka is bland, where the Bruder brand is very detailed. Now is this plastic as durable as steel, absolutely not. But my son is not even 3 and has given it hell but it withstanding the beating. I highly recommend this toy...even over the Tonka brand (which I still love). To be candid, I am having almost much as fun with these as my son. That is how impressed I am with this toy.