Metallica’s James Hetfield Now Operates a Wicked Custom Case Compact Track Loader

James Hetfield, the iconic front man of Metallica, now has a compact track loader as badass as his music. At the recent Helping Hands benefit concert last Friday (enjoy the Rolling Stone review), a customized Case TV450B compact track loader was on display, matching Hetfield’s signature style and the rock legend’s gritty persona. Fun fact: I just watched Hetfield in a great documentary called Murder in the Front Row. It details the birth of thrash. I highly recommend it. But before you get into that, let’s talk about one of the coolest compact track loaders I’ve ever seen.

A Rock-and-Equipment Collab: Helping Hands Benefit Overview

The Helping Hands benefit concert was held on December 13, 2024, at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California. It brought fans together to support Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation. The foundation focuses on improving communities, fighting hunger and fostering workforce education. The event featured unique acoustic and electric performances from the band, as well as the unveiling of the custom Case TV450B compact track loader. This one-of-a-kind piece of construction equipment isn’t just a symbol of Hetfield’s passion for machinery — it’s headed to work on his ranch. The loader debuted during the benefit, aligning perfectly with the event’s ethos of giving back and building for the future.

The Story Behind the Custom Case TV450B

The custom design of Hetfield’s Case TV450B pays homage to his career and personal interests. Case parent company CNH Industrial’s in-house design team collaborated with John Piper, an emerging designer, to craft a concept inspired by Hetfield’s tattoos, Metallica’s iconic imagery and Hetfield’s love for classic hot rods. The loader features a sandy camouflage pattern reminiscent of Hetfield’s Snakebyte guitar, accented with winged skull graphics, the words “Sandman” and pinstriping details. These design elements create a machine that seamlessly blends utility with artistry. The excellent wolf bucket instantly reminds me of “Of Wolf and Man”:

Built at Case’s Wichita, Kansas, facility, the TV450B compact track loader is renowned for its rugged performance. With a 90-hp engine and a rated operating capacity of 4,500 lbs, it’s built to tackle demanding jobs like loading, grading, material handling or even battling “Some Kind of Monster.”

Case Introduces Custom Wrap Options for Compact Track Loaders

Case isn’t stopping at Hetfield’s one-off design. The company recently introduced custom wraps for its compact track loaders, giving contractors a way to stand out on the jobsite. Unveiled at the Equip Expo in Louisville, the IronSkins Special Editions program offers three wrap designs:

• Commander: A matte green camouflage design perfect for outdoorsy types.
• Summit: A glossy granite-inspired wrap showcasing durability and strength.
• Rogue: A bold black-and-white splatter design with industrial flair.

These wraps are available for Case’s TV450B and TV370B models. They’re not just eye-catching—they’re built to withstand tough conditions, thanks to a partnership with Dirty Graphix, a leader in durable equipment graphics.

The Versatile Case Compact Track Loader Lineup

The Case B Series compact track loaders are industry staples, offering power, versatility and innovative operator features. The lineup includes six models, ranging from the TR270B to the massive TV620B. These Case B Series loaders feature big power, large operator compartments, push-button start, easy throttle control, backup cameras and intuitive switches for all core machine functions.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the lineup:

• TR270B, TR310B, TR340B: Radial-lift models designed for digging and pushing applications.
• TV370B, TV450B, TV620B: Vertical-lift models optimized for lift-and-carry tasks.

At the top of the range, the TV620B boasts a 114-hp engine, a 6,200-lb rated operating capacity and a 12,907-lb bucket breakout force, making it one of the most powerful track loaders on the market.

Operator-Focused Innovations on Case B Series CTLs

Case compact track loaders are built with the operator in mind. Key features include:

• An 8-in. LCD multi-function display with split-screen functionality for real-time data and a backup camera.
• Electro-hydraulic controls for customizable operation modes, but contractors can choose between standard mechanical, mechanical hand-and-foot and electro-hydraulic controls when specifying a machine.
• Maintenance-friendly design with all daily service points accessible from the rear. Easy-tilt cabs provide convenient entry to the drivetrain compartment, and hydraulic quick-couplers allow operators to quickly change attachments from the comfort of the cab.

A Perfect Match for Rock and Roll Legacy

The custom Case TV450B compact track loader underscores how construction equipment can merge function with personal style. Whether it’s for a rock icon like James Hetfield or a contractor making their mark, Case’s compact track loaders continue to lead the industry with innovative features and bold designs. To learn more about Case’s compact track loader lineup and custom wraps, visit CaseCE.com.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.

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