Building Sets Reviews

One of the best values of LEGO Technics is the education value. The forklift accomplishes this well, as it teaches several mechanical principles (rear steering, graduated lift, universals, tilt back, and smooth lift mech.) It's a bit hard to put the fork section together, but the body part is not difficult. I thought it a bit pricy, even given the nice mechanics. Fairly decent parts selection, similar to my favorite this year - the excavator at 20.00.

I have not been following the Technic series for quite a while but when I saw this I knew I have to get it. And get it I did. It might be a bit pricey, and personally I don't like motorized pieces because of uncertainty (might go kaputt anytime), but this sure is a looker! However it is not all perfect, IMHO; the outriggers could have been made more powerful (how so is another matter). The turntable could have been geared. There could have been another pair of wheels (imagine). There could have been suspension in the wheels. And the dummy steering wheel in front looks rather ridiculous. But nonetheless this is still a master piece. What's next, a giant fire engine? Count me in!

I am a 30 year old AFOL (Adult Fan Of Lego) and have been eagerly awaiting this set since seeing the preview pictures. I must say I was not disappointed when it arrived. Functions include 6-wheel steering (manually operated), extending/retracting outriggers (manually operated) a 6 cylinder engine with pistons that move in and out when the model is rolled on a surface, Pneumatic boom elevation, motorized hoist up/down and 3-section boom extension. The boom can also be (manually) rotated 360 degrees.
This is a set with many functions that will delight mechanical minded folks both young and old. Build time was around 8 hours, and I have assembled many large Technic sets. If this is your first time it may take longer.
The capacity of the crane isn't very much for its size, but it is really designed to showcase mechanical functions more than do actual work.
This set also builds a cherry-picker type aerial lift truck (bucket truck) that looks interesting if you tire of the crane.

For those interested in the parts, there are a good assortment of smooth beams and also a decent quantity of classic studded beams which seem to be getting scarce in the newer Technic sets. Of course there are plenty of the common Technic pins, liftarms, gears, etc. This set has the larget piece count (1884) of any Technic set ever produced! If you are a fan of Lego Technic don't even hesitate, buy it today!