Caterpillar 555D Skidder

The final Caterpillar model to be released by Tonkin Replicas was a 555D skidder, the top of the range machine for timber handling and the resulting 1:50th scale model has plenty of metal content.

The cabin has a grey coloured interior while the exterior side panels have a mesh protective screen with more metal grab handles fitted to the frame.

The engine housing has printed side grill details with a metal protective frame fitted between the cab roof and the edge of the bonnet, complete with accurately scaled grab handles which are also fitted to the sides of the engine housing.

The front of the machine has a height adjustable blade which lifts to an impressive height but does not quite touch the ground when fully lowered. To the rear, the lifting arm has some movement for height and reach but again, the grapple does not fully lower.

With 360 degree rotation and stiff operating jaws, the grapple can hold a suitable load. The only negative aspect of the model is with the articulated chassis which has a very limited range of steering movement.