The Caterpillar 966D in 1:50th scale was released by NZG in 1983 with #237.

The scale model of the Caterpillar 966D Wheel Loader is between 1983 and 1993 released by NZG under item #237 in the old Caterpillar "Highway Yellow" paint scheme and lettering with the famous Pacman logos.

Subsequently NZG also produced the Caterpillar 966E and 966F Wheel Loader models fitted with the same "square" cabin.

On the Caterpillar 966D are the exhaust and intake opposite placed but otherwise subject to the type designations, logos and color schemes of the Caterpillar 966D wheel loader and later versions of the Caterpillar 966E, and the first version of the Caterpillar 966F Wheel Loader series, NZG has with their 966 serie completely identical models produced.

The Caterpillar 966D wheel loader is a straightforward scale model. Except for the simple executed articulated steering, the rear axle that oscillates and the loader arm and bucket which does lifelike function, the model has no bells and whistles. The cabin is soberly executed and the model has no doors or engine panels which can be opened. Lighting, mirrors or hydraulic lines does not exist at all. The rims, engine air intake and exhaust are made of plastic material. The handles and railings are roughly and thick. The tires are provided with the right profile and NZG released the model released in the Caterpillar "Highway Yellow" paint scheme and lettering and type designations corresponding with the Pacman logos.

My final verdict: A bare by today's standards but a well beyond true to nature executed scale model of the Caterpillar 966D wheel loader according to the standard in the 80s.

In addition to the Caterpillar 966D Wheel Loader Caterpillar in the original CAT colors NZG has also a limited edition released in an army dark green color.

Caterpillar 966D Wheel Loader

The Caterpillar 966D Wheel Loader was introduced in 1980 in the USA as the replacement for the Caterpillar 966C. A year later the production began in Japan and Belgium. The 966D has a Caterpillar 3306 direct injection turbo, six-cylinder engine producing 200 flywheel horsepower (FWHP). The 966D has an operating weight of 44,408 lb and a bucket capacity of 4.0 yd3 - 4.75 yd3

The 966A was given a 99Y (USA), 35S (Japan) or 94X (Belgium) serial number prefix. Production of the 966D ended in 1987. The Caterpillar 966D was replaced by the Caterpillar 966E.

The Wheelbase of the Caterpillar 966D is 11 ft in and his Turning Radius is 24 ft on tubeless, nylon, loader-dozer design tires size 23.5-25 16PR (L-2). Ground Clearance 1.5 ft in and the Dump Clearance at Max Raise 9.9 ft in.

The Machine has a four speeds forward (21.3 mph), four reverse (23.7 mph) powershift transmission. It comes standard with articulated flow amplified steering, a sealed Z-Bar loader linkage, and electronic monitoring system. The American Caterpillar 966D Wheel Loader has a rollover protection system.