 | | Caterpillar branded tin. |  |  | | Sharp graphics and detailed panel handles. |  | | Transmission is moulded in the casting. |  | | Blade down. |  | | Detail on top with paint highlighting. |  | | Metal grab. |  | | Loading a truck. |  | | Man in the cab. |  | | Loading with the grab. |
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The Caterpillar M318F Wheeled Excavator weighs 19.7 tonnes. It is used for earthmoving, roadwork, and material handling operations.
Packaging
The model comes in excellent packaging. There is an outer shipping carton which contains a tin which is protected by a nylon bag. The tin is high quality and includes pictures and details about the real machine.
The review model had no missing parts or defects.
The only thing missing is information for the model, but a mini catalogue of the Diecast Masters range is included.
Detail
The undercarriage is mainly metal with the transmission detail formed within the casting. Between the wheels are plastic steps, and the blade and outriggers are metal. The detailed wheels are plastic with good quality tyres.
The cab has got plastic mirrors and wipers. Inside there is a fixed-in-place operator wearing bright high visibility clothing.
The body casting is good with separate highlighted panel handles. The lights are painted and the graphics are very sharp. On top there is a plastic grab rail, highlighted filler cap and textured covers. A tiny video camera is modelled on top of the counterweight, and there are also lifting eyes with holes.
Soft hydraulic lines run to the second boom section, and plastic pipes and lines run to the cylinder and tool point on the stick. Rivets on the boom, stick and tools are small and painted.
The simple bucket is metal, and the material grab is a decent metal part without perforations, but it does have a graphic applied.
Features
The wheels roll easily and there is moderate steering on one axle, but no oscillation.
The outriggers are stiff with rotating pads, and the blade is also stiff but with good movement. The model can be held wheels-free.
It rotates well.
The boom and stick have a very good range of movement.
The tools are removable. The grab rotates and opens and closes.
Quality
Diecast Masters has produced a good quality model which is robust.
The paint is good and the graphics are sharp.
Price
It is decent value.
Overall
As usual Diecast Masters packaging is excellent for their High Line Series. This is a good model with decent model engineering, and the changeable tools add flexibility.
Footnotes
The model first appeared at the Bauma Exhibition 2016.
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|  | | Travelling with the grab. |  | | Grab rails and mirrors are plastic. |  | | Metal outriggers. | |
|  | | Digging at depth is very good. |  | | Profile view. |  | | Nice hydraulics on the stick. |
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