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| Caterpillar
branded tin. |
 |
 |
| Big grapple. |
 |
| Sharp graphics
at the pivot point. |
 |
| Mesh grille and
driver inside the cab. |
 |
| Grapple and
tongs are metal. |
|
|
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| Doubling up the
productivity. |
 |
| Looks good in a
mini diorama. |
|
The Caterpillar 555D Wheel Skidder weighs around
22 tonnes. It is used in forestry
operations for dragging felled logs.
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.
The review model had no missing parts or defects.
There is no information for the model, but a mini
catalogue of the Diecast Masters range is included.
Detail
There is some simple detailing underneath and the drive
axle is modelled. The wheels are very good with
large chunky tyres.
At the front there is a simple dozing blade and although
the hydraulic ram jackets are plastic, the colour match
is excellent.
The engine block has some very thin metal grab handles
and the side grilles are formed of graphics. The
Cat graphics are very sharp. Metal frames protect
the engine block and they have fine grab handles.
The cab windows have got wipers and there is mesh
protection on the side windows. Inside there is a fixed-in-place operator
wearing bright high visibility clothing.
The pivot point does not have any hydraulics or drive
shaft crossing, but there are some nice safety graphics.
At the rear there is a non-functional winch modelled,
and it would have been nicer if it had some rope on, or
at least be painted black. There are heavy fenders
protecting the rear wheels.
The arch and boom are metal, and are of suitably heavy
construction. The grapple is also metal and
connection rivets are painted to maintain a realistic
look.
Features
The model rolls very smoothly, and the front axle
oscillates to facilitate running over rough terrain.
Steering is effected across the pivot point and an
approximate 35° angle can be achieved.
The front dozing blade can be raised high, or lowered
almost to ground level.
The arch and boom is dual function, although the
forward lean is restricted, so the grapple cannot touch
the ground. It would have been nice if the grapple
was removable for lifting duties.
The grapple rotates fully and the tongs open widely, and
they have just enough grip to hold some logs, although
it is a bit loose for dragging.
Quality
This is a good quality robust model with a high metal
content.
The paint is good and the graphics are sharp.
Price
It is good value.
Overall
Forestry models provide something different and this one
looks good when paired with some suitable logs.
Most of the functionality works well, although the arch
and boom could certainly have a better range of
movement.
Footnotes
The model first appeared in January 2017.
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|
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| Chunky tyres. |
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| Detailing
underneath. |
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| Winch. |
|
|
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| Blade lowers to
the ground.
|
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| Profile view. |
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| Dragging logs. |
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