CASE Unleashes Metallica-Inspired Compact Track Loader, Teens Everywhere Say “What’s a Metallica?”

In a move that screams "Enter Sandman," CASE Construction Equipment teamed up with Metallica's James Hetfield to create a custom-designed TV450B compact track loader (CTL). This heavy-metal-meets-heavy-machinery hybrid made its debut at the Helping Hands charity concert, held December 13 at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California.

The loader, a nod to Hetfield’s legendary rock career and penchant for skull tattoos, was the centerpiece of the event. However, the true irony of the evening wasn’t the audacity of a skull-and-pinstriped construction machine—it was the sea of disinterested Gen Z attendees scrolling TikTok, blissfully unaware of who Metallica even is.

The COOLEST CTL OF ALL TIME. THE CASE METALLICA TV450B 1 of 1.

A Compact Track Loader That Rocks—But Not for the Kids

The CASE TV450B, decked out in a sandy camo pattern inspired by Hetfield’s Snakebyte guitar and sporting edgy pinstriping reminiscent of his private hotrod collection, is a monument to Metallica’s gritty, unapologetic legacy. But for the children of the Helping Hands beneficiaries? It was just another construction vehicle.

“Is it, like, a Transformer or something?” asked one 12-year-old, briefly pausing from recording a TikTok dance. Another onlooker squinted at the loader before asking, “Does it have Fortnite skins?”

Despite its rock-and-roll roots, the loader's primary audience—the children benefiting from the charity—seemed more captivated by their smartphones than Hetfield’s hard-hitting riffs.

Hetfield’s Vision Brought to Life by CASE

The loader’s design was spearheaded by CNH rising star John Piper, who drew inspiration from Hetfield’s skull tattoo, sharp Metallica fonts, and even the artist’s hotrod collection. CASE Senior Designer Darin Weisensel took the reins for production, bringing the custom CTL to life at CASE’s Wichita facility.

After its star-studded debut, the machine is set to head to Hetfield’s ranch, where it will likely perform tasks like hauling hay and loading gravel—activities that somehow feel less rock-star and more “country living catalog.”

Meanwhile, Back at the Charity Event...

While the adults reveled in nostalgia and debated whether “Master of Puppets” or “Enter Sandman” is the definitive Metallica anthem, the kids stayed firmly unimpressed.

“I think it’s a truck?” ventured one teen before wandering off in search of free Wi-Fi.

CASE and Hetfield may have pulled off an epic fusion of rock and machinery, but one thing’s for sure: When it comes to Metallica’s legacy, the next generation would rather swipe left.

#CTL #METALLICA #CASE