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Caterpillar 320GC Hydraulic Excavator - Next Generation

Maker:  Diecast Masters
Model No:  85570
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  June 2018


Diecast Masters Index
Earthmoving Equipment Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10) 9
Detail   (max 30) 25
Features   (max 20) 15
Quality   (max 25) 19
Price   (max 15) 11
Overall   (max 100) 79%

Footnotes


Caterpillar 320, 320GC and 323 Next Generation Hydraulic Excavators Video  [Youku video]
Click to see large photo
Caterpillar branded tin.
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Side grilles are graphics.
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Detailed cab.
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Thin hoses and silvered connectors
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On site loading a tipper.
 
Operator in the cab.
At work.
Digging down is a  little short.


The Caterpillar 320GC Next Generation Hydraulic Excavator is aimed at emerging markets where the demand is for a simpler and robust machine without high technology. 

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.

A mini catalogue of the Diecast Masters range is included.  A simple instruction sheet describes how the operator can be inserted in the cab.

Detail

The undercarriage is mainly metal with a plastic baseplate.   The tracks are metal with triple grouser shoes.  They are mounted on decent track frames with static rollers, and there are a couple of tiny graphics on each frame.

The cab has got a plastic mirror and the wiper is formed within the cab structure.  There is a metal grab rail and the plastic roof is solid.  Inside the detail is very good with Cat on the seatback and also on the left control console.  An operator wearing bright high visibility clothing can be fixed in the cab. 

The body casting represents the body shape very well and the side grille is formed by graphics.  The Cat graphics are very sharp and there are some tiny warning signs.    On top the engine cover is plastic with more graphics used as grilles.  The colour match on the engine cover is slightly off to the metal parts.  There are textured walkway surfaces and the handrails are metal with a plastic mirror.

Soft hydraulic lines run to the boom and silvered connectors are modelled. More pipes and hoses run to the stick and again the connectors are modelled. Rivets on the boom, stick and tools are painted and there are small graphics on the stick.

The metal bucket is a nice casting with sharp teeth.

Features

The tracks roll easily, and they are mounted on spring-loaded idlers to maintain tension.

It rotates well.

The boom and stick have a good range of movement, and the bucket movement is reasonably good too.  It is a little short of the movement possible by the real machine.

The operator can be installed in the cab for when the model is posed digging, or the cab can be empty to represent the machine being parked up or transported.

Quality

It is a robust model with a high metal content.

The paint is good and the graphics are sharp.

Price

It is reasonable value.

Overall

The model is beautifully presented.  It looks good with small graphics adding detail.  The range of movement of the stick is improved in this version of the model and the removable operator gives more flexibility when displaying the model.

Footnotes

The model became available in May 2018.

 
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Parked up.
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Some detailing under the body.
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Textured steps and metal handrails.
 
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Being transported.
Profile view.
Looks good.