Caterpillar 297C Multi-Terrain Loader

The Caterpillar 297C multi terrain loader features a vertical lift design allowing extended reach and easy truck loading. Powered by a 3.3 litre Cat 3044C Stage II diesel engine generating 95hp, the 297C can handle most underfoot conditions with ease. The 1:32nd scale replica from Norscot captures the shape and functionality of the full sized machine very well.

The model is supplied with three work tools consisting of bucket, pallet forks and grapple bucket which fit to the quick coupler device attached to the loader arms. The arms can be raised to a good height and the pin heads on the linkages have been painted over which is good to see. While the pallet forks and grapple bucket look fine attached to the model, because the attachments are the same ones as supplied with the smaller 226/247 models, the standard bucket looks underscale which is a shame.

The newly designed cab frame has a glazed roof panel with integrated work lights and mesh sides with a replicated interior with driver's seat and controls, including the fold down safety bars.

The rubber tracks have a very authentic tread pattern moulded into the surface with both drive and idler wheels rotating in the frame. The open design of the track frames is quite interesting and has been captured well on the model. The 297C is shown below alongside the updated track design of the 299C.