At the “Helping Hands” charity concert on December 13, hosted by METALLICA’s All Within My Hands foundation, a special-edition CASE TV450B compact track loader made its debut at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California. The machine, custom-designed for METALLICA frontman James Hetfield, was the result of a unique collaboration between CNH Industrial’s CASE Construction Equipment and Hetfield himself.
Destined for Hetfield’s ranch, the loader’s design pays tribute to his storied career and distinctive style. The concept, envisioned by rising CNH design talent John Piper, incorporates several elements inspired by Hetfield’s persona:
- A skull with wings, referencing one of Hetfield’s tattoos.
- The sharp, iconic font seen in METALLICA’s album artwork and band graphics.
- Pinstriping reminiscent of Hetfield’s private hotrod collection.
- A sandy camouflage base, directly inspired by Hetfield’s Snakebyte electric guitar.
The production phase was led by CNH senior designer Darin Weisensel, who worked with the CASE team to bring Piper’s vision to life. Built at CASE’s facility in Wichita, Kansas, the TV450B compact track loader is known for its rugged durability and versatility, capable of handling tasks from digging and loading to landscaping and construction.
This collaboration highlights CNH’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, offering Hetfield a machine that seamlessly blends artistic expression with industrial functionality. For CASE, this one-of-a-kind project not only showcased their design expertise but also solidified their connection with METALLICA’s legacy through a unique piece of equipment.
The Helping Hands benefit event underscores METALLICA’s dedication to charitable causes through their All Within My Hands foundation, further merging the worlds of music, philanthropy, and industry.