 | | Caterpillar branded tin. |  |  | | Nicely captured shape. |  | | There is detailing on the underside of the body. |  | | Figure in the cab. |  | | On site. | |
|  | | Loading. |  | | Ready to dig. |  | | Thin hoses. |
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The Caterpillar 320 F L Hydraulic Excavator weighs 22.3 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 a plastic baseplate. The tracks are metal with triple grouser shoes. They are mounted on decent track frames with static rollers.
The cab has got plastic mirrors and the wipers are formed within the cab structure. There is a metal grab rail and a tinted top window. Inside there is a fixed-in-place operator wearing bright high visibility clothing.
The body casting is shaped well and a highlight is the very small graphics which are very sharp. On top the engine cover is plastic and the hand rails are metal. Lifting eyes on the counterweight are solid without holes.
Soft hydraulic lines run up the boom and stick and the add detail. Rivets on the boom, stick and tools are painted and there are small graphics on the stick.
The metal bucket is a nice casting.
Features
The tracks roll easily, and they are mounted on spring-loaded idlers to maintain tension.
It rotates reasonably well.
The boom and stick have a good range of movement in part although the stick is restricted in the amount it folds in affecting the ability to pose the model on a transporter. The bucket movement is also restricted.
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 in particular is not so good for displaying the model on a truck.
Footnotes
The model became available in January 2017.
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|  | | Decent bucket. |  | | Hand rails are metal. |  | | Engine cover is plastic. | |
|  | | Boom cannot go lower because the stick cannot fold in more. |  | | Profile view. |  | | The boom can be lowered if the stick is stretched out. |
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