Caterpillar 930K Wheel Loader
Presented here is the Caterpillar 930K wheel loader which has been produced by Norscot. The 930K is one of three machines from the small wheel loader category, joined by the smaller 924K and the larger 938K. All three featuring the latest emission control engines, while being fuel efficient and productive. Norscot have done a good job on replicating the features of the 1:50th scale replica.
The tyres have a finely replicated tread pattern which looks good, while the inner wheel hubs have silver highlighted fixing bolts which add to the realistic appearance. The rear counterweight has inset lights and surface detailing with the rear engine grille nicely capturing the looks of the full sized machine.
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The cabin interior has been modelled, as expected from Norscot with some fine external detailing of the cab including rear view mirrors, front and rear facing lights integrated into the roof and an amber beacon fitted to the rear of the cab. While the various grab rails are plastic, they are authentically scaled and look good. The engine bay has cast handle detailing with a prominent exhaust stack and air intake. |
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The articulating chassis is functional with a pair of hydraulic cylinders controlling the limited range of steering movement. An access ladder is fitted to one side of the chassis providing access to the cabin and accurately scaled grab rails have been added to the cab frame.
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The loader arms are fitted with a quick coupler, allowing a choice of two different work tools to be connected. Both the bucket and the construction forks are produced in metal with plastic adapter plates which clip onto the metal coupler.
The bucket has a straight edge blade with surface detailing of the fixing holes and a raised upper lip to protect the tipping cylinder. The arms raise to a reasonable height and the tipping angle of the bucket is fairly realistic. |
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The construction forks slide across the full width of the frame and can also be flipped over as a safety feature. |
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The paint finish on the model is of a high standard, with an even coating allowing the surface detailing to show through while the printing of the Caterpillar markings and engine grills are accurately placed.
One noticeable difference over previous Norscot model releases is the updated packaging, with the model fitting between two clear plastic forms which snap together and securely hold the model, removing the need for the ties. The outer cardboard box still features the windows allowing the model to be seen within. This is certainly a step forward.
The Caterpillar 938K and 930K wheel loaders share the same castings with only printing differences noticed across the two versions. The fact that a coupler and two work tools are included with each model allows the models to be configured to look different to each other, as shown below.
