Caterpillar SxS D9H Bulldozer

Presented here is the 1:48th scale die-cast Caterpillar SxS 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. It is one of three versions produced with a standard D9H and a DD9H also released.

The SxS D9H is a very unusual machine with two tractor units working in unison to power the large blade. It is good to see CCM have chosen to produce a replica of this unusual piece or iron, although not a surprise considering most of the casting work has already been done for the standard D9H version. There is a surprising amount of fine detailing from the modelled open engine bays which have engine blocks, filters, air cleaners and cooling fan detailing all present with the large exhaust stacks prominently rising up from the bonnets.

A bar assembly runs across the rear of the two units, keeping them connected and in sync along with several flexible lines allowing both tractors to be controlled from the single enclosed cabin. Fine detailing on the model includes metal grab rails, an air conditioning unit mounted to the cabin roof and a fire extinguisher fixed to the cab frame.

The cabin has a different design to that fitted to the D9H with a more squared appearance. Integrated metal grab rail detailing with glazed windows and black highlighted window seals look OK with windscreen wipers added to the front window. The interior has been captured with all the hand and foot controls and driver's seat visible.

The individually linked single grouser metal tracks have surface bolt head detailing on each link and rotate fairly freely. The front idler wheels are connected to a sliding tensioned frame which works well, keeping the tracks nice and taut. While there were noticable issues with the tracks on the standard D9H, the tracks on both units here fit well.

The main blade lift hydraulics are very slack on one tractor and very tight on the other, so it is not possible to pose the model with the blade raised which is fairly dissapointing on such a high end piece. The tilt cylinders are also very slack and do not hold in the forward position. Flexible hydraulic hoses and fixed piping have been fitted for added realism and this works well while the front perforated and slotted grill panels 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 while the printing of the Caterpillar markings and designation are crisply applied.