Bulldozer, loader, dump truck

[Kymberley]

What brand and what kind do you recommend? Looking for one at least 12" long and able to push dirt/sand/whatever. Was looking at Tonka, but some bad reviews are turning me off. Bruder? Green Toys? They are for DS but DH wants them to look realistic and do real work in rough-and-tough conditions. TIA!

[Kymberley]

Well, I went with this dump truck on sale from TRU, and with free (shoprunner) 2 day shipping, it was just a bit over $18 w/tax. Still need a bulldozer/loader/some kind of construction toy that will actually work in sand in dirt. If anyone has suggestions send them my way please!

[SnuggleBuggles]

We have that Tonka one. It's ok. None of our trucks get a ton of play so I'm biased. We have a Green Toys' recycling truck that I think is pretty cool. We also have Chuck the Talking Dump Truck (a gift). He's actually our favorite. We have the big Tonka trucks for outside play. They are well made and can do a lot.

Beth

[Kymberley]

Originally Posted by SnuggleBuggles

We have that Tonka one. It's ok. None of our trucks get a ton of play so I'm biased. We have a Green Toys' recycling truck that I think is pretty cool. We also have Chuck the Talking Dump Truck (a gift). He's actually our favorite. We have the big Tonka trucks for outside play. They are well made and can do a lot.

Beth

Which big Tonka trucks do you have for outside play? DH was set on getting this dump truck, so I'm just glad I found it on sale. The reviews were okay, like you said. It will live at Grandpa's house, so it will get minimal play anyway. I showed DH the Green Toys vehicles, and he was Meh about them. I think these gifts are actually for him!

ETA: we also have Chuck the Talking Dump Truck (also a gift, lives at Grandpa's). I think it's cute, but it annoys me to no end. I've been culling the noise makers, so maybe that's why.

[SnuggleBuggles]

They were all gifts but I know for sure we have the Tonka Toughest Mighty dump truck b/c it came with the hard hat and accessories:
http://www.hasbro.com/en_NZ/shop/det...F894F9D4:en_NZ
We also have the loader:
http://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-91006-T...ref=pd_sim_t_1

Looks like the price is jacked up. I don't recall them being that much when we got them years ago. Oh, this one is better, assuming it is the same one:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...ductId=2264870

Beth

[Kymberley]

Those are the ones I was watching as well. They really love to jack up prices, huh? Thanks for the links! Off to search for a decent price!

[Aishe]

We have the Tonka you ordered and it's by far ds's favorite toy. He's had it for a year and so far it's holding up great. My only complaint is that the underside has lots of little nooks and crannies that spiders love to nest in. So if it spends a lot of time outside you might keep an eye out for creepy crawlies.

[Kymberley]

Originally Posted by Aishe

We have the Tonka you ordered and it's by far ds's favorite toy. He's had it for a year and so far it's holding up great. My only complaint is that the underside has lots of little nooks and crannies that spiders love to nest in. So if it spends a lot of time outside you might keep an eye out for creepy crawlies.

OMG, I'm getting the heebie-jeebies! That is very good to know, so thank you for sharing. EEK!

[KrystalS]

I saw some big trucks like this at Kohls last week. I didn't pay much attention to brands/price because DS is a little young but they were big enough to be on the floor instead of a shelf. They were all 40% off, not sure if that sale is still going on though. Seems like their toys are usually on sale. I think theres a 20% off coupon too.

[ahisma]

The steel Tonka trucks are fantastic. Ours have lived outside in 4 seasons for 3 years now and are still in excellent shape. Sand, snow, rain, sun...you name it. They get a lot of use from the boys - love them!