Caterpillar M318F Wheeled Excavator

The M318F wheeled excavator from Caterpillar is a versatile machine, powered by a C7.1 ACERT Tier 4 Final, 6 cylinder in-line diesel engine generating an impressive 174hp with a reduced fuel consumption of up to 10% over previous models. With a top travel speed of 35km/h, it is highly mobile and with a wide choice of configuration options, it is a flexible platform.

Diecast Masters has produced a 1:50th scale replica of the M318F and it has some nice touches, like the quick coupler mounted to the stick allowing either the grading bucket or sorting grab to be connected.

The undercarriage has working stabilisers on one end and a height adjustable blade at the other with a steering axle and double tyres. All the various pin heads have been painted in matching colours which adds to the appeal.

The two-piece main boom is hydraulically adjustable with flexible hydraulic lines added for realism, complete with an auxiliary circuit. The range of movement on the stick is a little limited while the boom and bucket linkage are good.

The cabin has a modelled interior complete with steering wheel, controls and a seated driver figure while the exterior has a rear view mirror, screen wiper, sun visor, glazed roof window and work lights integrated into the upper frame. As well as the standard Cat logos, there are a number of small printed warning and safety labels which add to the realism, while the various handles on the engine panels have been highlighted in black

As one of the High Line series, it is presented in a collectible metal tin with full colour images and graphics. One observation is that the safety railings are made from plastic which is a little disappointing considering other recent releases have metal railings.