Caterpillar D9H Bulldozer

Presented here is the 1:48th scale die-cast Caterpillar D9H historic bulldozer from Classic Construction Models. This model was announced a number of years before it was finally released with quality issues preventing the release of the first production run, and now the models have finally arrived, there are still some assembly issues which are very unusual for CCM, who are well known for their very high standards.

The D9H was a very successful machine for Caterpillar and it is no surprise that CCM have chosen to produce this highly detailed model of a classic piece or iron. There is a surprising amount of fine detailing from the modelled open engine bay which has the engine block, filters, air cleaner and cooling fan detailing all present with the large exhaust stack prominently rising up from the bonnet.

The cabin has a rugged appearance with integrated metal grab rails and door handle detailing with glazed windows and black highlighted window seals which look OK but not perfect. Windscreen wipers have been added to the front and rear windows while the interior has been captured well, with all the hand and foot controls visible.

The rear of the model features a single shank ripper frame which has very loose hydraulic cylinders which barely keep the tooth off the ground. This is rather disappointing although the ripper shank is detachable but is a very tight fit in the slot of the rear frame, requiring some gentle filing of the opening to prevent damaging the paint finish of the shank.

The individually linked single grouser metal tracks have surface bolt head detailing on each link and rotate fairly freely. The assembly of the right track appears to have been done a little too aggressively which has caused the internal dimensions of the track to narrow to the point where they do not allow the drive sprocket to rest within the channel which is another example of the poor assembly of the model. The front idler wheels are connected to a sliding tensioned frame which works well, keeping the tracks nice and taut.

The main blade lift hydraulics are also poorly done with slack resistance preventing the blade from remaining in the up position for long. Flexible hydraulic hoses have been fitted for added realism and this works well while the front perforated grill panel looks good with front facing light housings with silver lenses protected by contoured covers.

The paint finish is fairly good overall however there are several small areas where manual touch-up has been done and this is a slightly different shade. The colour match of the plastic and metal parts is good with only one area on the model highlighting a different colour match while the printing of the Caterpillar markings and designation are crisply applied. After a long wait, the D9H is a little of a disappointment in terms of quality considering the cost of the model and yet I suspect this less than perfect level of assembly and finishing will not be seen again on future releases from CCM.