Komatsu D65EX-17 Bulldozer

Presented here is the 1:50th scale Komatsu D65EX-17 bulldozer from First Gear. The D65-17 is powered by a Stage IIIB/Tier 4i turbo-charged direct fuel injection Komatsu SAA6D114E-5 diesel engine delivering 219hp. The automatic transmission ensures the best gearing ratio for the dozing operation being undertaken and combined with the automatic lock-up torque converter, eliminates unnecessary power loss resulting in reduced fuel consumption. Different blade and rear equipment options are available including the Sigmadozer blade modelled here which increases productivity by more than 15% compared to a conventional semi-U blade design

The track frames are slightly different from the PX version to cater for the outer blade arms which connect with the front Sigma blade which has simulated hydraulic pitch and a very good range of height movement, complete with added flexible hosing.

The model has a number of grab rails along both sides of the engine and rear bodywork with a textured upper surface on the entrance to the cabin which has been fully replicated inside with a dark grey contoured interior casting incorporating the drivers seat and arm rest mounted controls.

The cab exterior has raised front facing work lights with decorated lenses and highlighted front and rear windscreen wipers with the Komatsu name printed across the upper section of the rear window and tiny silver printing of the Komatsu name above the doors.

The D65EX model shares the same main body and cab castings as the PX version with a rear mounted three shank parallelogram ripper assembly which offers a reasonable range of movement and has flexible hydraulic lines fitted for extra realism. Added detailing includes a shovel and holder fitted to the rear fuel tank which is a nice touch.

The track frames have some good casting details along the lower edge with simulated bottom rollers while the two upper rollers rotate. The rear final drive casing is incorporated into the frame casting which is a little dissapointing, although typical from First Gear on all their dozer replicas. The drive wheels have very fine bolt and tooth detailing and the linked tracks rotate well.

The paint finish is very good with authentic printing of the Komatsu logos, machine designation and small safety labels. While the model looks very good, there is a fair amount of plastic used on the model which, in my opinion, is a little dissapointing. The D65EX is pictured below alongside the D65PX bulldozer and PC360-10 tracked excavator, all three models produced by First Gear.