Bandai
US Army Light Type III Skid Steer Loader (M400W)
Item Number:
35GM0008
35GM0008
Manufacturer
Gecko Models
Gecko Models
Scale:
1:35
1:35
Plastic kit for a light U.S. Skid steer loader type III (M400W)
The Type III (M400W) compact loader is a U.S. Army skid-steer loader adapted for military use, designed for combat engineering, construction, and logistics tasks. Based on a civilian model from CASE Construction Equipment, the vehicle was modified to meet the specific demands of military operations as part of a ten-year procurement program for the U.S. Armed Forces. Production began in 2010 after the U.S. Army awarded a major contract for up to 1,900 M400W units, alongside complementary M400T tracked loaders. The goal was to provide a compact, versatile machine capable of performing earthworks, infrastructure projects, obstacle clearance, and material handling - both at military bases and in operational theaters.
In terms of basic dimensions, the M400W largely corresponds to the civilian CASE 420 Series 3. It features a powerful diesel engine, hydrostatic all-wheel drive, and the steering system typical of skid-steer loaders - which relies on varying the rotational speeds of the left and right wheels - allowing the vehicle to turn virtually on the spot. Depending on the mission, the loader can be fitted with detachable steel tracks ("Bar Tracks") to significantly improve off-road mobility on soft or unpaved terrain. A standardized quick-attach system enables a wide range of attachments - such as multi-purpose buckets, pallet forks, augers, or hydraulic breakers - to be swapped out within minutes.
The M400W was equipped with numerous specialized features for military service. Features include a finish resistant to chemical agents, a 24-volt military-standard electrical system, NATO slave-start receptacles, additional lifting and tie-down points for helicopter transport or airdrops, and a modified fuel system that allows operation using JP-8 aviation fuel - the standard fuel used by the armed forces. The vehicle also features mounts for personal weapons and is designed for worldwide deployment under extreme climatic conditions. These modifications significantly enhance operational flexibility and simplify logistical support in the field.
Thanks to its compact design, high maneuverability, and versatile attachments, the M400W performs a wide range of tasks - from clearing debris and obstacles and constructing makeshift roads and fortifications to loading and unloading supplies. As a result, the Type III Compact Loader (M400W) ranks among the U.S. Army’s key multi-purpose engineer and support vehicles, combining the performance capabilities of civilian construction machinery with the specific demands of military operations.
- Scale 1:35
- Clear and photo-etched parts included
- wire-reinforced hoses
- 1 marking option
- unbuilt, unpainted
- Paint and glue not included
| You can purchase other skid steer loaders from Gecko Models here (if available): |
The Type III (M400W) compact loader is a U.S. Army skid-steer loader adapted for military use, designed for combat engineering, construction, and logistics tasks. Based on a civilian model from CASE Construction Equipment, the vehicle was modified to meet the specific demands of military operations as part of a ten-year procurement program for the U.S. Armed Forces. Production began in 2010 after the U.S. Army awarded a major contract for up to 1,900 M400W units, alongside complementary M400T tracked loaders. The goal was to provide a compact, versatile machine capable of performing earthworks, infrastructure projects, obstacle clearance, and material handling - both at military bases and in operational theaters.
In terms of basic dimensions, the M400W largely corresponds to the civilian CASE 420 Series 3. It features a powerful diesel engine, hydrostatic all-wheel drive, and the steering system typical of skid-steer loaders - which relies on varying the rotational speeds of the left and right wheels - allowing the vehicle to turn virtually on the spot. Depending on the mission, the loader can be fitted with detachable steel tracks ("Bar Tracks") to significantly improve off-road mobility on soft or unpaved terrain. A standardized quick-attach system enables a wide range of attachments - such as multi-purpose buckets, pallet forks, augers, or hydraulic breakers - to be swapped out within minutes.
The M400W was equipped with numerous specialized features for military service. Features include a finish resistant to chemical agents, a 24-volt military-standard electrical system, NATO slave-start receptacles, additional lifting and tie-down points for helicopter transport or airdrops, and a modified fuel system that allows operation using JP-8 aviation fuel - the standard fuel used by the armed forces. The vehicle also features mounts for personal weapons and is designed for worldwide deployment under extreme climatic conditions. These modifications significantly enhance operational flexibility and simplify logistical support in the field.
Thanks to its compact design, high maneuverability, and versatile attachments, the M400W performs a wide range of tasks - from clearing debris and obstacles and constructing makeshift roads and fortifications to loading and unloading supplies. As a result, the Type III Compact Loader (M400W) ranks among the U.S. Army’s key multi-purpose engineer and support vehicles, combining the performance capabilities of civilian construction machinery with the specific demands of military operations.
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