Catalog
Matchbox > 1998 > Caterpillar Dirt Machines > Dirt Movers
In the first year after Mattel acquired Matchbox from Tyco, the company introduced a new Caterpillar construction series featuring four 2-packs of licensed Caterpillar construction vehicles. While Mattel had the necessary license for production, Matchbox did not have the required castings for the Caterpillar models. Therefore, Mattel cleverly used its second brand, Hot Wheels and adapting its existing Hot Wheels Caterpillar castings for release under the Matchbox brand.
The new models were assigned numbers MB343 to MB350, though MB349 was never produced. The only Matchbox production model in the series is the Peterbilt Dumper, which pairs with the Wheel Roader in the Dirt Movers set. Other sets in the series include Dirt Haulers, Earth Shapers and Road Pavers.
The series was distributed both in the USA and internationally (ROW), with different packaging for each market.
