LEGO TECHNIC Log Loader (8049) Review

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(More customer reviews)Normally I wouldn't give five stars to a tractor and trailer, but this set marks the return of the much beloved Lego pneumatics. Those cylinders operating the log-grabber are attached to hoses that lead from a pump underneath the trailer. You operate the pump with your finger and use valves to control the air to the pistons. Don't expect miracles from the pneumatic system; the pistons do not have a long throw and the grabber is not going to lift heavy weights. But it is fun and I think quite educational for the kids. For children, turning the spaghetti of pneumatic plumbing into a working artifact is a revelation. In fact, this set is probably more valuable for its creative possibilities in building different machines than it is as a log lifter. If you enjoy building machines with your kids, I recommend this set highly. The tractor is rather compact and spartan, but the kids have an easy time maneuvering it. And the trailer with the pneumatic log lifter is like a big robotic claw for them. The finger pump and the valves are not the easiest devices for some children to manipulate (i.e., age six or younger). You can purchase an accessory motor set (Lego 8293) to power the pump, however, and I recommend lengthening the valve levers so that little fingers have an easier time with them.
Update (January 2011): Lego delisted this set at the end of 2010. As the set becomes scarce, prices will become unreasonable. However, Lego has a big pneumatics set planned for latter 2011. Lego 8110 is a Unimog U400 with a pneumatic grabber; the early pictures suggest it is going to be a beautiful set, but expensive. Still, this appears to confirm that Lego sees a modest market for pneumatic technic sets.
Cheers

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Pieces: 525
Grab ?em, load ?em, and haul ?em away with the power of pneumatics!No logging job is too big for this impressive log loader! Use the control knob to steer the tractor to the trailer, then hitch them up! Take control of two pneumatic-like valves to operate the fully-articulated crane arm and pick up the log with the working grabber. Realistic and functional! 2-in-1 model rebuilds into a rugged log handler vehicle.


Features tractor with steering and log loader trailer that can be unhitched from the tractor!
Log loader features two pneumatic-like valves that control the articulated crane arm!
Add compressor function by purchasing 8293 LEGO Power Functions Motor Set!
2 models in 1: rebuilds into a log handler!

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LEGO Technic Backhoe Loader 8069 Review

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(More customer reviews)8069 is an excellent design in terms of functionality. The philosophy behind this design appears to be maximum functionality with the fewest parts. 8069 may not be nearly as good looking as the LEGO TECHNIC Front Loader 8265 from 2009 or the LEGO Technic Excavator from 2008, but it has a lot of neat tricks up its sleeve.
The new compact (mini) linear actuators (mLAs) introduced with this model perform smoothly. Mechanically, these appear to be a much better fit for manually operated Technics designs. Unlike the larger fully encapsulated linear actuator designs that were introduced with the 8294, mLAs don't require you to turn the knobs forever to get a useful range of motion. You also get to see exactly what is going on in terms of mechanical coupling.
The mechanical design design for the front bucket (lift and tilt functions) is simple but it works quite well. The only complaint may be that the maximum lift for the bucket is relatively limited. There are two gear-knobs on either side of the model that can control the lift. I am not sure if this was intended for the convenience of both left-handed and right-handed builders, but it does work quite effectively to increase the speed with which the bucket can be raised by using both hands to turn alternating knobs simultaneously.
The yellow translucent 2x2 round brick on the top of the cab controls steering. The steering system works is simple but smooth with decent range of motion on turns.The two black gear-knobs on top of the rear side of the cab control the excavator arm. Probably because it is difficult to transfer rotational motion to a linear actuator on the second segment of the excavator arm for a small model, 8069 uses two linear actuators at the bottom section of the arm to drive both the arm motion and bucket motion independently. It does look a bit different from a typical excavator arm design that was used in 8455, 8294, 8043, etc., but it works well. There is third knob that controls the rotation of the excavator arm around the vertical axis. In order to support the rotation of the excavator arm, rotational motion from the gear-knobs is coupled from to the back-hoe subsystem through a pair of universal joints.
Finally, there are two support arms that can be extended and locked in place manually at the rear section to stabilize the vehicle when the excavator arm is being used. The overall build for 8069 is relatively straight forward, at least for an experienced Technics fan. There are a few steps where relatively large subassemblies come togehter and axles need to be fitted carefully. Instructions are are quite clear, though a bit too simple for my taste. There are many steps where only one or two parts are added to the model. There are a few stickers but they all go on single tiles (1x8 and 2x2).
LEGO was able to deliver a very playable and multi-functional construction vehicle with both a loading bucket and a back-hoe for under $60. They did have to leave out some nice-to-have details such as a working engine with pistons, more body panels, etc. to keep the scale small and the price of the model relatively low but IMHO this was a good trade-off. 8069 was definitely the highlight of the 2011 Technics line until the introduction of Lego 8070 Technic Super Car - though flagship Technics models (e.g. 8110 Unimog) are expected in 2H'11. 8069 will likely find it's place in the Technics hall-of-fame of medium-scale models in the near future.

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bMake light work of any job with the Backhoe Loader!/bDig with ease using the backhoe loaders gearactuated front bucket and back hoe. Twist them left to right! For extra demanding jobs, extend the outriggers to make sure this 4wheeled workhorse is stabilized! Rebuild into a log handler.* Raise, lower and tip the bucket and backhoe!* Extend the outriggers for extra tough jobs!* 2in1 model Rebuilds into a log handler* Grip logs with the log handlers powerful claws!* Raise, lower and rotate the log handler arm!* Backhoe Loader measures 6 tall (cm) and 18 long (cm) Warning Product Contains Small Parts. Not Intended For Children Under 4 Years of Age.

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LEGO Technic Power Function Accessory box (8293) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Power Functions kit #8293 is a must have for the 8294 Excavator. The kit transforms the excavator into a real scale functioning excavator (I own real heavy equipment myself), which can actually dig dry sand, sifted loam, and we attached a small jewelry chain to it and it can lift things like Transfomers Bumblebee and some surprisingly heavy objects just like a real excavator does! So dont hesitate to get one of these. The motor is tiny, but is surprisingly powerful and also this kit has a nice quality switch that replicates a real hydraulic lever and also comes with accessory LED lights which snap right on easily and look sano. The Design of the battery box and the excavator is well done, it mounts underneath the tracked undercarriage and it lowers the center of gravity of the excavator, which increases its stability. Expensive, but worth the dough.

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Add even more power to your LEGO Technic creations! This Power Functions motor set includes a motor, battery box, light cable, pole switch and additional pieces to add new functions and features to your motorized models. Requires six "AA" batteries, not included. 10 pieces.

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