The Caterpillar 797F Tier 4 mining truck has a payload of 400 US tons. It is used for large quarry operations.
PACKING
The model comes in exemplary packaging. There is an outer shipping box containing a can protected by expanded polystyrene trays. The tin is high quality and includes pictures and details about the actual machine. Included is a mini brochure for 2019 of the Diecast Masters range.
DETAILS
This is a large and heavy model that weighs around 3.5 kg. The chassis construction is heavy with some nice details. The drive train is replicated and various cables and pipes are modeled. The steering cylinders are also replicated. Some of the detailed models are plastic, including the engine block, but the color combination is very good.
The large wheels are detailed with small lug nut details. The tires are particularly nice with a realistic matte finish and detailed tread pattern.
The front of the truck has a plastic radiator grille and the access ladders and stairs are plastic, but the handrails are metal and realistically thin. There are two tow points and wheel chocks. Many smaller details, such as lights, enhance the appearance.
The cabin deck is fully textured to resemble a non-slip walking path and there is a detailed exhaust treatment system. The cabin is made of metal with handrails and lifting eyes on the roof. Inside, the seats and controls are visible and there is a permanently installed operator. There is a load indicator on the side of the cabin that displays '400' to represent 400 US tons. The large mirrors on each side of the truck are plastic.
Between the wheels are large boxes and tanks modeled in plastic but with an excellent color combination. Highlighting enhances details. Below the tipper, the upper part of the chassis is also highly detailed with various modeled tanks and pipes, including some connectors. Two large two-stage hydraulic pistons lift the tipper body, the center stage being gray plastic.
The dump truck is a big piece of cast metal with some plastic elements, but the color combination is very good so it's barely noticeable. Sharp graphics are all along the edges.
At the rear, a pair of bars hang between the pairs of rear tires to clear trapped material and a pair of safety cables are modeled to be used to keep the tipper body upright during service. The details on the rear are excellent, including detailed graphics on the suspension cylinders and intricate rear axle highlighting.
CHARACTERISTICS
The front wheels turn although the range of motion is less than that achieved by the real truck, the rear axle suspension works. The dump body tilts well to an excellent angle that may even exceed the actual truck, and the cylinders are rigid enough to support the body at any angle.
At the front, the access stairs at the bottom fold down to allow an operator to board the truck.
Two access hatches can be opened on the cockpit cover to see the engine. The engine has more outstanding details.
QUALITY
It is a very good quality model with a high metal content. The paint is very good and the graphics are sharp.
PRICE
It is a very large model that has a full price.
