 | | CAT style box. |  |  | | The machine is imposing. |  | | Massive blade. |  | | A big piece of metal. |  | | The operator can't see the Cranes Etc team members as the guard (in black) above the blade is solid. |
| The Caterpillar D11T is one of the largest in the range and has an operational weight of 105 tonnes (230,000lb). The 12 cylinder C32 engine develops a gross power of 935hp.
Packaging
The model comes in a typical Caterpillar box style with a window, and the model is secured inside between clear plastic formers. To release the model from the packaging ties have to be undone and this is moderately frustrating.
There is no information about the real machine on the box, which is a pity although there is a description of the model's features.
Detail
The model is satisfyingly heavy which gives a good first impression.
There is some detail on the underside and this is achieved within the castings. The tracks are metal and are nicely detailed with bolt details visible. They are mounted on plastic sprockets which have good detail but the colour match on the elevated drive sprocket is a little off. Rollers are represented by fixed castings rather than moving parts.
The body is convincing with a good level of detail. There are grab rails and although they are plastic they look fine. The radiator and other grilles all look the part. Lights are placed around the cab, and the interior detail is reasonable.
At the rear the equipment detailing looks authentic, and the ripper box is very large as it acts as a counterweight to the blade and it has a pin puller modelled. The ripper shank is impressive with a good sharp looking tooth.
The blade support structure is fine and the hydraulic cylinders have detail but no hydraulic hosing which would have been a nice addition. The blade is chunky and feels very robust. It has authentic perforations along the lower edge for the cutting edges although the guard at the top is solid rather than a see through structure as per the real dozer.
Features
The tracks roll well. Very well in fact, as pushing the dozer rolls the tracks on most surfaces. The only point to note is that both tracks share the same axles which is a pity as fully independent tracks would have allowed better turning.
The ripper can be raised and lowered, and the angle of attack is adjustable. The blade raises and lowers although vertical lift is restricted, and a degree of side-to-site tilt is also possible. It can also be tilted forward. The cylinders are stiff enough that the blade holds any position set.
Quality
This is a good quality model, well made, and where plastic is used it is mostly not detracting from the look of the model. The paintwork is good.
Price
The model is good value and represents a heavy piece of metal for the money.
Overall
This is a fitting model for one of the largest machines in the Caterpillar range. It is heavy and solid and has a good detail level. Functionality is good also. The model is highly recommended.
Footnotes
The model first appeared in 2008.
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|  | | Tracking with the blade raised. This is the maximum vertical lift possible. |  | | Elevated sprocket is plastic and slightly off colour. |  | | Underside view. |  | | The ripper looks like it would cause some damage. |  | | Pushing a 657G scraper although the blade does not have a push plate. |
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