This model is nearly twice the size of the Chinese RC4WD hoe... is any China model the new level in this hobby to aspire to?

Their electronics & hydraulics are the bottom of the barrel quality!
Perhaps DadsGarage pops up to comment b/c he does this CAD & waterjet cutting for an occupation... for the time & tools involved, I don't see $1500 being that expensive for a skeleton model, swing bearing or not.