 |
| Unusual
decoration on the Caterpillar
branded tin. |
 |
 |
| Special colour. |
 |
| Two figures
included. |
|
|
 |
| Drill cannot
pose vertically. |
 |
| Telescopic material arm. The chain and load are
not included with the model |
 |
| Backhoe at
work. |
 |
| Loading a
European tipper. |
|
The Caterpillar 420F2 IT Backhoe Loader weighs around 11 tonnes
and it can dig to a depth of
4.4m.
This version is in black to commemorate 30 years of
Caterpillar backhoe loaders in 2015. Only two of
the real machines were produced in gunmetal black.
Packaging
The model comes in exemplary 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 although it does not explain the significance of
the black version.
The review model had no missing parts or defects.
An instruction sheet is included which explains how the
work tools can be swapped. Also included is a Diecast
Masters mini catalogue for the Caterpillar range.
Detail
Underneath, the chassis has some detail within the
casting. The rubber tyres have a good tread
pattern and they are mounted on detailed wheels.
The backhoe is large and mirrors the real
machine and the bucket has decent teeth. The connection
rivets are silver and this does reflect the real machine
in black, although the rivets seem too large in
comparison. The stabilisers are
metal but they cannot quite be posed
retracted far enough in transport mode.
The cab is good with a windscreen wiper and beacon
light, and thin metal grab rails. There is no
operator in the cab. The seat back has both a Cat
logo and an emblem to celebrate the 30 year anniversary.
The engine cover is metal and the radiator grille is
good and there is a sharp Cat graphic on top.
The loader arm looks good with silver connections and
sharp model number graphics. The metal
bucket is decent.
A number of additional tools are provided. The
hammer has a metal body with a plastic drill bit, and
the material arm is metal. The auger is plastic.
A set of forks is a mix of metal and plastic.
Two figures are included. They have Cat branded
tops.
Features
The steering mechanism works quite well although the
range of movement is limited. The front axle oscillates so it can be posed as if on rough terrain.
At the rear, the stabilisers pull down into position,
but cannot lower far enough to raise the rear wheels off the ground.
The backhoe has a reasonable range of movement overall,
with the cylinders being stiff enough to hold a pose.
The stick is also extendible.
At the front, the loader mechanism works well but the
range of movement is limited at the upper end so the
bucket cannot be held as high as the real machine.
There are quick hitch arrangements front and rear and
the various supplied tools are easily attached.
The front bucket opens clamshell style however the
tipping angle is very good at the bottom of the range, but the carry angle is very
limited.
The material arm is telescopic and can be opened out.
Quality
It is mainly a metal model
and is of good quality.
The
black finish paint is very good and the graphics are sharp.
Price
It is fair value overall.
Overall
This is an unusual special edition model and it is
attractive in the black colour scheme. However, it
is an older model and it would have been nice if some of
the basic functionality could have been improved.
Footnotes
The model first appeared in Q4 2019.
|
|
|
|
 |
| Various tools
are supplied, and two figures and an instruction sheet |
 |
| Underneath. |
 |
| Auger fitted. |
|
|
 |
| Forks with load
(not included).
|
 |
| Profile view. |
 |
| Looks good with
other models. |
|
