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Metallica frontman James Hetfield commissions a custom CTL

CNH has designed a special edition Case compact track loader inspired by Metallica frontman James Hetfield.

The Metallica designed CTL, named the “Hetskid” was on display at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California, at the Helping Hands charity concert, held Dec. 13.

The annual event is organized by the rock band Metallica’s All Within My Hands charitable foundation.

Following its concert debut, the custom-designed Case TV450B compact track loader will be put to work at the ranch of Metallica frontman and co-founder James Hetfield. Hetfield commissioned the design as part of an equipment supply agreement with the Case brand.

The CTL design is inspired by Hetfield’s career and persona. The winning proposal was submitted by CNH designer John Piper. CNH Senior Designer Darin Weisensel led the production phase of this project, working to bring the custom design to life on the CASE TV450B.

“Our remarkable people transformed this special edition compact track loader from a designer’s sketch into a one-of-a-kind machine, providing our iconic Case brand with a unique opportunity to make its distinctive mark with an exceptional delivery,” Case said in a news release.

Design inspiration

Piper crafted a concept that recalled one of Hetfield’s tattoos, a skull with wings, together with the sharp iconic font reminiscent of Metallica’s graphics and album artwork. He also drew from the pinstriping in Hetfield’s private hotrod collection.

All these elements were integrated atop a sandy camouflage pattern reminiscent of Hetfield’s signature Snakebyte electric guitar – a direct request from the artist.

The Case TV450B is powered by a 90-hp engine and features a 2,041-kg operating capacity at 50 per cent tipping load

The compact track loader was built at the Case production facility in Wichita, Kansas.