Caterpillar 651B / 657B Scrapers

In 1962, the 657 was the largest of the range of scrapers offered by Caterpillar, meeting the needs for a high volume earthmover with its twin engine, 2-axle configuration while the 651 was one of the most powerful and sophisticated single engine scrapers. In 1968, the original 651 & 657 were upgraded to the B-series which had improved traction with the 657B achieving a total power output of 950hp with the ability to dig deeper, fill the bowl faster and climb steeper inclines all without the need for a push tractor.

In 1969, Caterpillar added the “Push-Pull” version offering the ability to tandem a pair of 657Bs to put 1900hp to the cutting edge of each single machine to increase production rates. As for the 651B, it had a single 550hp Caterpillar D346 diesel engine producing a top speed of 34mph. It is no surprise that CCM has chosen to produce exacting 1:48th scale replicas of the 651B & 657B motor scrapers, each packed with superb detailing and functionality.

The 651B single engine scraper is configured with an open, canopy covered operator’s station which highlights the curved seat, hand controls and printed console while the front perforated grill allows glimpses of the interior engine bay. Detailing includes painted lights, authentic scaled steps and grab rails and a front windscreen with wiper and printed window seal.

The articulating neck of the model has a fully operational cushion hitch linkage along with the steering system, complete with a number of flexible hydraulic lines travelling to the rear chassis where hydraulic rams power the bowl’s height adjustment and the lifting of the front apron.

The ejector plate can be extended to discharge the load and the rear frame has sloped panels and a re-enforced endplate to allow assisted loading with a push tractor.

The 651B has been produced in a limited edition run of 651 units, is individually serialised and comes with a specification brochure. The 651B is shown above with a Cat D10 push dozer to the rear for assisted loading of the bowl.

The twin engine format of the 657B is expertly crafted and uses many of the same castings for the gooseneck, bowl and front engine compartment as the 651B with a front chassis incorporating a fully enclosed cabin with a detailed interior highlighting the seat and controls.

The hydraulically powered pull bar has been added to the front allowing two models to be linked together. The bowl has been fitted with a mesh panelled overspill guard with the ejector plate extending to discharge a load.

The paint finish on both models is to a very high standard with an even coating allowing the finer surface casting details to show, complete with authentic period markings and logos. The model has been produced in a limited edition run of 850 units and comes with a detailed specification booklet.