Büffel B90 Bulldozer

2016 saw the 60th anniversary of Conrad GmbH, a German producer of quality and precision die-cast replicas of construction, lifting and truck models predominantly in 1:50th scale. To celebrate the milestone; a special anniversary model of the Büffel B90 bulldozer was developed.

First introduced in 1956, the same year Ludwig Conrad started the company, the B90 is a small but nimble tracked machine which was produced by Maschinenfabrik Kiener KG and tips the scales around the 8 ton mark, powered by a Kaelble Diesel GN 115 V 4-cylinder engine delivering 90hp. Transmission allows four forward and two reverse gears providing a top speed of 10.4 km/h.

From drawings and images, every aspect of the B90 has been replicated into 1:50th scale perfectly. The dozer blade authentically captures the full functionality of the real machine with the ability to adjust the angle of the blade in several steps either to the left or to the right.

At the rear, the height adjustable ripper bar is populated with six small ripper shanks and one large pivoting shank which can be rotated into the working position and secured by a plastic pin for deeper penetration of the ground, another nice touch from Conrad.

The main engine housing has textured side panels and replicated piping along the side with an angled radiator grill giving the prominent curves with an exhaust stack and front facing work lights included.

The operator station contains a plastic seat with hand controls replicated while the side frames, produced in metal hold the simulated canvas canopy covering, complete with rolled up side and rear sections.

The track frames have slight oscillation with individually linked plastic tracks which do rotate although they are a little stiff in operation.Being an anniversary piece, the packaging is also very interesting, with the model sitting on a metal plate with inset ridges where the tracks locate.