Customer Reviews

LEGO TECHNIC Log Loader (8049)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

I've always been a fan of Legos, especially the Technics Legos. I've always thought the pneumatics added something special to the technics series. Apparently Lego brought the pneumatics back! I'm glad they did because this is the best lego set I've ever owned. It's the best bang for your buck you'll get. It's a ton of fun to put together (why I like legos) and when it's built it's very educational. Not to mention when you go online you get instructions for the "B" set, a log handler, also fun to build and a high quality model.

I would highly recommend this set, great design, fun to build, great value.