 | | Box with window. |  |  | | Very detailed track sprockets and links. |  | | At the back a tiny towing hitch is provided. |  | | The blade can be angled both ways. |
| The D61EX Dozer is a 17 tonne machine with a six cylinder Komatsu engine developing 185kW (168hp). The standard machine has a straight power angle tilt (PAT) blade and this is the configuration on this model.
Packaging
The model comes in windowed box which is the standard Komatsu design for this range of models. Inside, the model is securely held within expanded polystyrene and clear plastic spacers.
There was no damage to the review model and there are no instructions or other information provided.
Detail
Although the model is relatively small it can be seen to be packed with detail before it comes out of the box.
The tracks are metal and finely detailed. So much so that they appear quite delicate although in practice they seem strong enough. The track frames are plastic and they have working rollers on the top although those at the bottom are fixed. Detailing of the frames is very good with the plastic used allowing very small details to be represented. The sprockets are also very convincing.
At the front the PAT blade is metal, and the various linkages are combinations of plastic and metal all with a good level of detail. The centreball design for transferring blade load to the dozer is modelled. The engine cover and cab are very good indeed. The headlights at the front have small lenses fitted. Grab rails and mirrors combine with the fine grilles and windscreen wipers to impress.
Very small graphics are applied across the model and some are barely one millimetre wide. Plastic, where used, is hardly distinguishable from the metal and this is one of the triumphs of the model. The rollover protective structure (ROPS) is plastic. Excellent detail continues at the rear with lights, a fuel filler nozzle and a tiny towing hitch.
Features
The tracks work well and are tensioned by the forward sprockets being spring loaded.
At the front, the blade can be moved in several planes. It can be raised and lowered, and angled to either side. There is also a degree of tilt movement.
Quality
Universal Hobbies have produced a highly detailed model. Although there are plastic elements, these allow additional detail and the use of plastic is done in way that does not make the model appear cheap. Paintwork and graphics are of a very good standard.
Price
Along with other models in this range from Universal Hobbies the model is relatively inexpensive and therefore good value.
Overall
This small dozer is a pleasing model and the level of detail gives the impression of it being high precision. It is highly recommended to collectors of earthmoving equipment.
Footnotes
The model first appeared at BAUMA in April 2007 and was available from September of the same year.
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|  | | Tiny graphics printed on the model - click the photo to see it bigger - even dust is bigger than these graphics! |  | | The blade can be lifted. |  | | 'I told you that new operator was no good...' |  | | Nice and snug on a Nooteboom low loader. |  | | A good display option. |
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