Caterpillar 12M3 Motor Grader

The "M series 3" range of motor graders provide the latest Tier 4 Final / EU Stage IV emission reduction technology to give one of the most durable, productive and comfortable motor graders on the market. The 12M3 tips the scales around the 20 ton mark when typically equipped with a blade width of 3.7 metres (12 foot). It is powered by a Cat C9.3 ACERT 6-cylinder diesel engine delivering an impressive 232hp with VHP+ and 253hp with AWD.

Diecast Masters have produced an impressive 1:50th scale version of the 12M3 which demonstrates what the company are trying to achieve in their latest model offerings with good levels of detail and functionality.

The light grey finished cabin interior contrasts well to the black exterior with a number of detail parts added to the frame including screen wipers, grab handles, rear view mirrors, access ladders and light clusters fitted to the roof along with an amber beacon.

The front axle frame has pivoting movement with functional steering which has a very limited range of movement. The wheels are mounted to a linkage which does provide a small amount of wheel lean which shows good attention to detail. The main blade can be adjusted both in angle and height with the blade also sliding along the frame connected to the mouldboard which offers rotational movement. The addition of flexible hydraulic lines to the lift cylinders and along the lower frame certainly adds to the realism.

The rear engine compartment uses printing to highlight the cooling perforations in the side panels with raised grab rails and rear facing lights added. The rear suspension bogies have pivoting movement, fitted with rubber tyres that have an authentic tread pattern and topped with plastic guards above the wheels. The 5-shank ripper unit has painted pin heads and can be adjusted in height.

The collector’s tin packaging has an image of the real machine alongside an image of the model and a table containing technical details of the 12M3 motor grader.