Caterpillar 631E Motor Scraper
The 631E motor scraper was introduced in the 1980s with the main goal to transfer vast amounts of material from a to b. The combined speed and mobility of the articulating framed chassis with a cushion hitch system coupled with a powerful 450hp Cat 3408 turbocharged diesel engine made the scraper more effective and economical for large scale earthworks over long distances.
The Caterpillar 8-cylinder 3408 diesel power plant has been fully replicated within the engine bay of the model, visible by opening the side service door while the large front grille is very finely etched to highlight the intricate pattern of holes hiding the radiator block within.
The sides of the chassis have hanging access ladders with authentically scaled metal grab rails for safety. Light housings are fitted to the sides of the engine bay, complete with silver painted lenses while the black finished exhaust stack and air cleaner are visible above the engine bay.
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The fully enclosed cabin with opening door has a modelled interior highlighting the driver’s seat, side control levers, steering console and foot controls topped with finely printed dials and gauges. The light tan interior colour has been faithfully replicated with the windows having painted rubber seals and painted on windscreen wipers. |
The cushion hitch linkage has been authentically replicated offering realistic movement between front and rear sections coupled with both fixed and flexible hydraulic hoses to the steering cylinders which offer 90 degree rotation of the gooseneck to each side.
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The ejector plate has a full sized hydraulic cylinder visible within the rear frame of the chassis providing the full range of motion for discharging the load and this slides relatively smoothly. |
Hose lines are also added across the gooseneck for the hydraulic cylinders controlling the bowl, apron and ejector which are fully functional, allowing the model to simulate all stages of operation from loading to discharging. |
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The main structural cross member of the rear frame has very nicely engineered bolt fixing details visible at both ends while the hydraulic cylinders also have intricate end sections showing the bolt detailing.
Steps and grab rails are added throughout the model for exceptional attention to detail with all bolt heads visible on the arms of the scraper bar with excellent printing of the period correct markings and logos.
The Goodyear branded tyres have a very authentic and crisply moulded tread pattern and again, all the fine bolt fixing details have been added to the wheel hubs. The drive housing on the front axle is finished with hose detailing and fine surface engraving, complete with a protective cover to prevent damage.
The Caterpillar 631E looks great when accompanied by the Caterpillar D9L in pusher configuration, as pictured below in a true working situation.
