Caterpillar D9L Tracked Dozer
Presented here is the 1:48th scale die-cast Caterpillar D9L with front blade and rear impact ripper which has been produced by CCM. The D9L was first introduced in 1980 and remains the most powerful of the D9 series with a power output of 460hp from the Cat 3412 direct injection engine. The model has been released in a typical configuration with enclosed cabin, dozer blade and ripper and has also been produced as a pusher and as a tractor with towed scraper.
The D9L is the first of the 9 series to feature the elevated drive sprocket and this has been accurately replicated on the model with individually linked tracks and a tensioned idler wheel assembly. The track frames have good surface detailing and are fitted with movable lower rollers.
The main drive sprocket and final drive housing is very intricately finished, showing all the fine bolt head detailing while the track pads have raised bolt heads on each shoe.
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The fully enclosed cabin has opening doors on each side allowing more of the replicated interior to be seen, including the various dials and gauges along with the control levers and driver’s seat. The exterior of the cabin has printed window seals and metal formed grab rails with a fire extinguisher also fitted to the ROPs frame. Front, door and rear window wipers are integrated into the castings and highlighted with black paint which looks good. |
The platforms on each side of the cab have a textured anti-slip surface with accurate printing of the various safety and information labels throughout. Light housings are integrated into the body front and back with silver finished lenses and a raised filler cap on the fuel tank.
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The engine bay is open on both sides which allows the great detailing within to be seen including the low mounted engine block, air cleaner and exhaust stack.
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The model is fitted with an intricately slotted photo-etch front grille, hoses and metal grab rails with dome shaped plastic lenses used for the main work lights. |
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The impact ripper attachment is very interesting, capturing the rugged appearance well while housing a sprung hammer tip which allows the ripper tooth to oscillate, mimicking the operation of the full sized ripper in transferring the shock wave to the tip of the tooth and fracturing the rock. Adjustment for the height and angle of entry of the tip is possible with excellent surface engraving details on the hammer body and bolt head replication on the ends of the hydraulic cylinders. |
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The front U-blade has good surface detailing including the cutting edges and features height and tilt adjustment with stiff hydraulic cylinders and flexible piping which is also replicated on the rear from the distribution block to the ripper frame hydraulics and hammer block.
The paint finish is applied to a high standard with accurate Caterpillar period markings throughout. The model is supplied with a small brochure detailing the specifications of the full sized machine. There is also a leaflet giving details of the impact ripper.
