David Wylie reviews Classic Construction Models (CCM) 1:48th scale 600tonne Cat 6060 productivity class monster miners

Photo journalist, author, and my well-known and respected colleague at Earthmovers Magazine David Wylie is back to share one of his in-depth, photo heavy, model reviews , this time focusing on the Next Gen Cat 6060.

The Cat 6060 bloodline can be traced back to the O&K RH200, when a heavy-duty version was designed to swing a 34m3 bucket, known as the RH340, a bigger and heavier RH340B version soon followed. In 2009, a diecast model in 1:50^th scale  of the RH340B was produced in Terex Mining livery and set a new standard for detail. 

Ever since Caterpillar bought Bucyrus in 2011 - and the Hydraulic Mining Shovels (HMS) range formerly made in Dortmund -  collectors of earth-moving die-cast models have been eagerly awaiting models of the renamed Cat 6060 in a similar scale.

Caterpillar has made a series of major improvements to what apparently is the most  popular 600-tonne class hydraulic mining shovel in the global mining industry.  Culminating in the release of this Next Generation Cat 6060 in May 2020, which is packed full of new Cat mining technology, design features and upgrades which have been beautifully captured by the highly skilled team at CCM and their model builders.

Following the review of CCM’s 1:48th scale Cat 6090 face shovel back in 2018, two Cat 6030 models in 2022, these two 1:48th scale Cat 6060 models extends the range of Cat’s productivity class die-cast scale models. 

The CCM Cat 6060 models are available in both Face Shovel (FS) and Backhoe (BH) configuration and are limited to just 750 pieces each, which includes a signed and serial-numbered miniature specification brochure reproduction.   CCM’s retail price is $850 or around £900 + P&P from UK dealers.

Just like the real deal, the CCM Cat 6060 is a perfect pass match for the 231t payload Cat 793 model haul truck for 4-pass loading.

The CCM Cat 6060 die-cast model weighs a robust 4.8kg.  The heavy-duty all metal boom, stick and bucket can be put through their full operational range and posed with nice resistance in the cylinders.  And both the FS & BH boom cylinders come with a grub screws and an Allen Key tool to lock the front-end equipment securely into any pose. The Face Shovel also has an all-new stick design. 

Typical CCM details includes a cab door which swings open to access the operator’s station and view the highly detailed operators’ seat and controls. The traditional control tower has been replaced with a new large LCD screen on the L/H side of the seat.

Already used on the all-new Cat designed 6020B model, the new 6060 cab is also derived from ultra-class monster rope shovels for superior visibility.  Uniquely for a hydraulic mining excavator, the new 6060 cab can accommodate three people, which is great for operator training, and CCM has captured this in exacting detail with all three seats.  In addition to the highly detailed cab interior, the model’s exterior has two warning horns on upperstructure.  The emergency side egress ladder is also nicely detailed.  However, as these 6060s have been commissioned as standard machines, optional extras like fire suppression are not included. And a service crane is no longer on the options list.

Highly detailed cooling pack grills, radiators and hydraulic pump fan blade motors are visible through the R/H side and rear of the machine as well as multiple maintenance access points.  It has a fully positionable 45° access stairway with a hydraulic cylinder - for the first time - to keep it firmly in any position. 

The quality of paint finish – which replicates the high-quality gloss finish found on the real machines  - and warning notices and trade dress on this model is exceptional, including the new and improved Hex trade dress.

There is also a fine level of detail found on the engine air filters and exhaust stacks and photo-etched metal grills above the hydraulic cooling packs and patterned walkways throughout both models.

CCM went the extra mile for realism in several areas on the 6060.  Such as the exceptional and minute level of detail achieved in the hydraulic control valve block components on the back of the boom and is arguably the best detail in the die-cast business.

The fixed and flexible hydraulic lines, as well as the main hydraulic pumps and these 4 swing motor pumps - at the base of the boom - complete the highly detailed system on both models. 

Visible through the lower access compartment are the highly accurate hydraulic main pumps and hoses that are powered by a pair of the latest super-clean, emissions-compliant (Tier 4 Final)  58.6-litre Cat 3512E engines, producing a total of 2256kW/3023hp.  

Although difficult to see behind the detailed exterior grills, CCM have included hydraulic cooling packs and detailed fan blades.

Another area of high-detail is the accurately replicated miniature markings, safety and warning labels which have been approved by Caterpillar for accuracy. 

The Backhoe and Face Shovel have the standard 34.0 m³  67t / 61mt  bucket payload capacity with a nice wear package and teeth detailed and bucket information plate adds to the realism.

CCM have even gone to great lengths by providing the 7100 L main hydraulic tank and easily accessible ground level service station.  The models individually linked, free-rolling metal track pads wrap around working tensioners, idlers, and bogeys to complete the undercarriage in stunning detail and the trackpad design is now highly accurate.

One of the many elements that sets CCM models apart from other manufacturers is the fine precision of the hydraulic flexible hoses and silver hose connection for added realism.

For the 1^st time in any Face Shovel model - in my experience – the bucket visor has moveable cylinders to hold the visor open!

In conclusion, CCM’s new release of the Cat 6060 model was worth the 12-year wait and one that Caterpillar have made significant design improvements to call it a Next Generation Cat machine.

As we go to press, there is a limited number of Cat 6060 models still available to order through CCM or your local CCM dealer.