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Caterpillar 854K Wheel Dozer

Maker:  Norscot
Model No:  55231
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  May 2010


Norscot Index
Mining Equipment Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)7
Detail   (max 30)21
Features   (max 20)14
Quality   (max 25)18
Price   (max 15)12
Overall   (max 100)72%

Footnotes


The Caterpillar 854K Wheel Dozer.
Caterpillar style box.
Huge dimensions of the machine means it towers over the Cranes Etc team member.
Heavyweight construction.
Excellent oscillation of the rear axle.
Colour of the hydraulic cylinders is a little bit off from the painted metal.
The Caterpillar 854K is a large wheel dozer with an operating weight of over 98 tonnes.  The blade capacity is in the range 25-45m³.  It is used in large mining applications, or where large quantities of material need to be moved.

Packaging

The model comes in the usual windowed Caterpillar box style, with the model tied to a base and held between clear plastic formers.  The review model had no defects or missing parts.

No information is provided about the real machine, but there is some information about the model on the box.

Detail

This is a large model and it reflects the size of the real machine.  There is little detail underneath and it has big and chunky wheels which seem to be a rubber coating over a rigid plastic centre.  The tread pattern is good.

The body has plenty of thin looking handrails but these turn out to be plastic however they look pretty good nonetheless.  The main body is metal and this makes the model heavy.  Casting details are good, with texture on the walking areas, and various panels and grilles represented.  The cab is metal and has wipers and mirrors, and nice beacon lights on the roof.

At the front the coal blade is solid and robust, with good details such as anti wear plates.  The hydraulic cylinders for controlling the blade are plastic, and the colour match is slightly off, which detracts visually somewhat.  A good point is that the rivets used are painted yellow so they are unobtrusive.

Features

The functionality of the model is good and the main features work well.  The rear axle floats to allow movement over rough terrain, and the articulated steering provides a good range of movement.

The blade can be raised and lowered, and also tilted forwards and back.

Quality

This is a pretty good model with only the poor colour match of the yellow plastic parts giving away the fact that they are not metal.  The paintwork and graphics are very good.

Price

The model is reasonably priced considering its large size.

Overall

Norscot have produced a good solid model.  Although it is not of the highest standard, it is recommended to collectors interested in this type of machine.

Footnotes

The model first appeared in 2009.

 
Impressively large blade.
Underside view.
Handrails are plastic.
Blade tilts forward.
Loaded on a TowHaul.