Review: 42032 Compact Tracked Loader
Posted by CapnRex101,
I don't buy Technic sets very often but while visiting the LEGO Store to purchase 42039 24 Hour Racer (reviewed last week by Huw) I had a look at some of the other available models and 42032 Compact Tracked Loader caught my eye. This is not a vehicle that we have seen before in the Technic line although it is a common sight on construction sites around the world.
Priced at £14.99 or $19.99 and containing 252-pieces this is one of the smaller Technic sets released in 2015, although it is also one of the most fun as it includes some entertaining play functions!
Box and Instructions
The wide box is typical of the price point and features the usual dark colour scheme of the Technic theme. An inset image shows off the moving parts of the vehicle and the alternate model, a snow groomer, is displayed on the back.
Inside there are instruction manuals for both models and three bags of parts. The bucket piece is loose in the box as a result of its size.
Parts
Although this set does not contain any new pieces there are some useful ones including 64 link treads, a pair of rare orange liftarms and a fairly small bucket. An impressive 12 light bluish grey bevel gears are also included, more than in any other set!
The Build
As anticipated construction begins with the base of the chassis and a simple worm gear assembly. The seat, control levers and roll cage are fitted next with a few 1x1 and 1x2 'cheese' slopes acting as display panels and lights. These are the only System pieces used in the entire model other than a trans-orange bulb and two trans-red 1x1 round plates which form rear warning lights.
The liftarm assembly is basic in its construction using beams of various lengths to provide leverage for manoeuvring the bucket and grabber. The arms are linked to the worm gear on either side using a 1x3 liftarm and 1x3 crank and some details are added at the rear.
The two tread units are the final sections to be added, with each one containing 32 links. Occasionally the treads in a set require some loosening or tightening to achieve the best rolling motion but I think these are just right. A couple of extra links are included anyway in case you need them.
Functions
For a small model this set contains quite a few features. The first of these is the rolling treads which move quite well even on smooth surfaces, although they work better on carpet. Unfortunately they cannot achieve a perfect on-the-spot turn but there is enough movement in the link chain for the vehicle to traverse some tricky terrain.
A black gear on the rear of the loader can be turned to elevate the entire bucket boom. This is a fairly slow motion but it can raise the bucket to an angle of about 45 degrees short of vertical. Two 1/2 pins restrict the movement beyond here to prevent the lever quite getting to full height so it won't start lowering the bucket unless you reverse the motion on the gear at the back.
The bucket can be manipulated independently of the boom using the lever on the left of the vehicle. This will raise the bucket and keep the spill guard closed with it when pulled back, or lower the bucket and open the spill guard when pushed forward. The right-hand lever can open and close the spill guard which allows it to act as a grabber for pulling debris into the bucket. I enjoy Technic sets most of all when the functions take some mastering, and this is precisely such a set. It only takes a few minutes of practice to become proficient at using the various controls but this is still impressive for such a small set. It is a lot of fun to play with once you can manipulate the bucket and grabber properly!
Appearance
I have trawled through quite a few models of compact tracked loader but cannot find anything in particular this seems to be a recreation of. The white frame, black roll cage and orange highlights at the rear all suggest it might be a Bobcat, one of the most popular manufacturers, and the closest I can find is a T650 Compact Track Loader. The triangular caterpillar track arrangement is attractive and the overall shape of the model looks great.
There are not many details around the vehicle, limited to just four stickers, a blue seat with some control levers and a few lights. However, the model still looks fine and for the price it is a decent size, measuring 17cm long with the bucket lowered.
Overall
This is one of my favourite Technic sets of the size for years. The price seems like an absolute bargain to me as there are plenty of features on the model in relation to its size. They all work very well and hit just the right balance between simplicity and complexity in my opinion, demonstrating some basic engineering very nicely.
If you are looking for an easy introduction to LEGO Technic this is an ideal set. For seasoned collectors there are no new building techniques or functions, but this is the first time we have seen a compact tracked loader in the long history of the Technic theme so I think this set is worth picking up.
5 likes
7 comments on this article
Nice review, Capn!
I know that Technic lends itself to vehicles, and particularly construction equipment, but I would love to see something else. A decent sized engine perhaps, and maybe a gearbox as a separate set that it could be combined with.
Still. For now, construction it is, so off to the building site!
Although as we're at our in-laws in Cheshire this weekend, I've just woken up and looked out the window and I'm thinking the snow plough would be the better option!
I'm not a huge technic fan, but I really like the look of this, and I may have to pick it up. Great review as well!
That is just amazing for being so small... I am seriously considering getting this now. I don't like the B-model, though.
I got this about a week ago, but for me it was one of those sets that i completely look over, and it some how finds its way into my LEGO collection.
This looks like a neat little set. Great review too.
I am put off buying Technic for one reason. As much as I love to build them, I absolutely hate dismantling them !!
nice review i like it.
I don't think I've ever seen a tracked loader like this before on a building site. I've always seen the 4-wheled skid-steer type, like LEGO has done with the 8418 Mini-Loader. (One that I've driven was a JCB 135, which is engineered with the lift arm on only one side, to make it safer getting in and out).