~~~THE LITTLE TIKES TALK 'N ACTION POWER DUMP TRUCK~~~HAVE LOADS OF FUN WITH MAX
Written: Sep 17 '03 (Updated Sep 18 '03)
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Pros: Durable Little Tikes design; encourages interactive imaginative play.
Cons: Requires batteries; phrases get repetitive over time.
The Bottom Line: Looking for a great gift for your young construction vehicle fan? Then this interactive Little Tikes Talk 'N Action Dump Truck would make a terrific choice!
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| melissasrn's Full Review: Little Tikes Dump Truck |
One of the many gifts my then 2 1/2 year old son, Tristan, received as a Christmas gift last year in December 2002 was this Little Tikes Talk 'N Action Power Dump Truck. He already owned many other standard toy construction vehicles, such as the classic yellow metal versions Tonka is still famous for today. But none of them actually talked or encouraged him to help "fix" certain parts, so naturally he was fascinated with this toy from the moment he opened it. And now that Tristan has had a good nine months on and off to play with it, it comes highly recommended from our family. Read on to find out more about this durable interactive dump truck most kids will find hard to resist.
~~~The Toy~~~
Designed for children ages 3 to 8, this Little Tikes Talk 'N Action Power Dump Truck is constructed of durable molded plastic is is quite colorful in design. Measuring approximately 14.50 long x 8.25 wide x 9.50" tall, this talking vehicle requires three "AA" batteries (a small Phillips screwdriver is needed when changing them), which do come included by the way (so that the demo mode can be activated in stores). According to product advertising describing this toy vehicle: Meet Max and his interactive power dump truck. He can haul just about anything in this rugged rig, but he needs your help to make the job a success. Working with Max teaches kids color recognition, skill development and problem solving as they help him tighten his wheels with a wrench, flip up the cab and work on his engine, or fill up his gas tank with the gas can. Weight sensing in the bed can distinguish between light, medium and heavy loads, and when the job is done, a push of a lever automatically activates the power dump bed. Includes a gas can and wrench for fill ups, tune-ups and other repairs. Max, our driver with his northern construction worker accent, gives several different commands during play when the vehicle is turned on. Or if desired, turn the Little Tikes Talk 'N Action Power Dump Truck to the off position when a more quiet play time session is preferable.
Featuring a large, super sized truck bed that is blue in color with a grey storage area on top, this Little Tikes Talk 'N Action Power Dump Truck is the perfect size for older toddlers and preschoolers to play with on the floor. Once an adult cuts this truck lose from the cardboard packaging it comes in (which is no easy task, mind you!), play is ready to begin. Store the included grey gas can and blue and grey wrench inside the storage trunk to keep them from getting lost. Press the red lever on one side to dump the bed or press the yellow lever to flip the yellow cab forward to work on the engine. One the other side is the grey gas tank that will need filling from time to time. Max's head will rotate around while phrases are said during play, which is activated by pushing the vehicle backward or forward on the big black and yellow tires. Different phrases are randomly played, which will instruct children what they should do next (help fix the tires or dump the load, etc.). Do the wrong thing and Max will tell the child to try again. Do the right thing, and he'll praise the child's actions. So with all the activities this Little Tikes Talk 'N Action Power Dump Truck has to offer, it takes a long while for children to become bored during play and move on to something else.
~~~Price & Availability~~~
Purchase this Little Tikes Talk 'N Action Power Dump Truck online today at etoys.com currently on sale and in stock for $14.99 or where other high quality Little Tikes toys are sold. They state that the original price was a whopping $32.99, so the savings when this truck is picked up at the reduced price is 55% off. For all the phrases this truck says along with the activities that can be done (fix the engine, fill the gas tank, etc.), toy shoppers are getting a great deal when paying just $15. And when buying a toy like this Little Tikes Talk 'N Action Power Dump Truck with the reputable Little Tikes logo that comes included, rest assured it will be durably constructed to last for many years, even when passed down from child to child or resold at garage sales, etc. Here's the toy specific URL if interested:
http://www.etoys.com/genProduct.html?PID=1047265&ctid=17&ls=toys
~~~Play Experience~~~
To activate the Little Tikes Talk 'N Action Power Dump Truck (make sure it's in the on mode first, of course), all the child has to do is push the wheels forward or backward. The engine will start and Max will start talking. If the bed happens to be empty, he'll say something like: That's all? I can haul more than that!. Or if the bed is really full of blocks or other heavier toys, he'll say: Whoa! Stop loading me up, pal! That's all my truck can hold. When turning his backup signal on (beep! beep! beep!), he'll say: Ok! Watch out! I'm backing up! Many realistic construction sounds are played along with the varying phrases the Max will say. He then has many commands that will keep youngsters busy and interested for a surprisingly long period of time. Tristan listens attentively to the commands and keeps the gas can and wrench close by to perform each task as it comes up. Dumping the bed is a frequent activity he enjoys doing, and he's even learned how to press the bed back into place firmly for the next time. When play is over, this smart interactive toy will automatically go into sleep mode to save on the battery life and will say: See ya later! Here are several more phrases that Max will say, depending on what your child does or does not do when playing with the Little Tikes Talk 'N Action Power Dump Truck:
That part isn't broken. Try again!
That's not the red/yellow lever. Try again!
Come on pal! I need your help to dump this load/fix my truck.
Way to go, Buddy! I couldn't have done it without you!
Way to go, Buddy! Let's get back to work.
Press the red lever to dump the bed.
Fill me up with that gas can.
That's not the gas can. Try again.
The tires feel a little wobbly. They need tightening up.
That's not the wrench.
That part isn't broken. Turn the red/blue nut on the other side.
Whoa! The engine is running a little rough. Press the yellow lever to lift up my cab.
~~~Overall Recommendation~~~
Any young child that enjoys playing with trucks or other similar construction toys will receive lots of interactive entertainment when playing with this Little Tikes Talk 'N Action Power Dump Truck. It makes a great inexpensive gift and will surely last for years to come as Little Tikes' excellent quality and durability are a major part of the whole package. Construction vehicles like this one seem to be very popular these days, perhaps because of the popularity of Bob the Builder. But whatever the true reason, this moderately priced toy is not only affordable on sale, but it will also provide hours of enjoyment for children, especially if parents "rotate" their toys every few months as they get "new" toys to play with all over again. So in conclusion, I highly recommend this Little Tikes Talk 'N Action Power Dump Truck. Good luck and happy toy shopping :-)
***For more information on other similar high quality, durable toys for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and beyond, check out the following website:
www.littletikes.com
Questions or comments?
1-800-321-0183
The Little Tikes Company
2180 Barlow Road
Hudson, OH 44236 USA
***Listed below are a few other highly recommended Little Tikes toys that may be of interest:
Little Tikes Sand and Water Table
Little Tikes Studio Design Table and Chairs Set
Little Tikes Big Semi Truck
Little Tikes Cast 'N Count Fishing Set
Little Tikes Car Sounds Cozy Coupe
Little Tikes Workshop Measuring Tools
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 14.99
Type of Toy: Car, Truck or Raceway
Age Range of Child: 3 to 5 Years
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