Komatsu GD655-5 Motor Grader

Presented here is the Komatsu GD655-5 motor grader model in 1:50th scale from First Gear, an update to the earlier GD655 model with new castings and an updated decoration. The model features a front mounted V shaped snow plow and side blade with an updated cabin and body shape distinguishing it from the original version.

The rear wheels have working suspension and oscilation and the casting is highly detailed and well finished with a textured upper surface on the service walkways along the side of the engine housing.

The rear of the model features a pivoting bracket where the hydraulic to raise and extend the side blade is fixed.

The side blade has a very realistic range of movement, both in the operating position and in the travel position, folded up along the side of the cabin. the lower edge of the blade has indented fixing bolt details for added realism.

The update has lost none of the great features of the original with all the hydraulic hosing faithfully reproduced along with authentic movement of the blade which can be tilted, moved left to right and rotated, just like the real machine.

The updated cabin is highly detailed inside and out with windscreen wipers, lights and handrails added.

The extending tubular frames on each side house the rear view mirrors which have a silver surface and radio antennas have been added to the roof along with a large amber beacon.

The front wheel assembly is once again engineered to offer a very good range of steering movement and the wheels can be angled just like the real machine, topped with rubber tyres that have a good crisp tread pattern. The front blade can be raise and uses a hydraulic cylinder with small chains to function although the weight of the plow prevents it from remaining in the raised position.

The paint finish is of a high standard with the Komatsu markings and machine designation located on the sides of the engine housing. The fine printing of the side cooling grills are particularly effective and the model is pictured below alongside the standard configuration of the GD655-5 model.