Random set of the day: Motorized Excavator
Posted by Huwbot,
Today's random set is 8043 Motorized Excavator, released during 2010. It's one of 11 Technic sets produced that year. It contains 1123 pieces, and its retail price was US$199.99/£142.99.
It's owned by 8,395 Brickset members. If you want to add it to your collection you should find it for sale at BrickLink, where new ones sell for around $470.50, or eBay.
71 likes
26 comments on this article
Huwbot's on a big dirt digging kick lately isn't he
@MCLegoboy said:
"Huwbot's on a big dirt digging kick lately isn't he"
There were warning signs first.
The past 5 RSOTDs seem to have told some sort of story about deforestation!
@Miyakan said:
" @MCLegoboy said:
"Huwbot's on a big dirt digging kick lately isn't he"
There were warning signs first."
You've won the comment section, no more comments after this one.
This was one I wanted for a long time! I think it was only after 2016, when the Technic theme kicked it up a notch with the Bucket Wheel Excavator, the first Ultimate car (Porsche), and the CLAAS Xerion tractor, that I realized it was pointless to go backward. Initially, I think I really only wanted the Motorized Excavator for its parts and as a first foray into the world of Power Functions. Now my collection is replete with such parts and Power Functions, and Technic sets have only gotten larger and more elaborate. Still, this is a great-looking set. Not sure if I would say, "No" if I found one today for a decent price!
We have a Bruder excavator like this and they are almost of the same size. Of course, the Bruder is a bit more robust (and has a handle to use the bucket) but the LEGO one can move on its own and be put back together when it does break.
Looks good. Time for a new version, Lego.
This is one of the best Lego Technic set of recent years (already 13-14 years old - unbelievable). Even at the current price on Bricklinks, I am tempted to say it is still good value.
I have wanted this one for a long time. Pretty much the only retired Technic set I haven't been able to get my hands on yet that's on my wanted list ;_;
Now, imagine if those treads were drum-lacquered silver?!!
https://brickset.com/article/103285/random-part-of-the-day-track-element-5x1-5-drum-lac
Another one I don't have, but have an homage to, in 11021.
I love it when a Technic sets looks like a Technic set. This is one has earned it's place amongst the legendary sets for standing against time and looking so good.
That's all it does? Just move some dirt around? I mean you could probably get a sandbox shovel for under $5, and spend the rest on something that includes Batman. Or something purple.
'E's kicked the bucket, 'e's shuffled off 'is mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleedin' choir invisible!!
THIS IS AN EX-CAVATOR!!
@StyleCounselor said:
"Now, imagine if those treads were drum-lacquered silver?!!
https://brickset.com/article/103285/random-part-of-the-day-track-element-5x1-5-drum-lac "
Funny, I was thinking the exact same thing on that day. I even looked into it on Bricklink, but it turns out that only one seller worldwide (in the US) could provide the sufficient amount (76 pieces) and the costs would be insane.
Alas.
In any case, this was the set that got me out of my dark ages properly!
Sure, by that time we had bought a couple of Duplo sets for our first and then only daughter, but those would not have sufficed to get me back into the hobby.
But actually my wife knew that I had been a fan of LEGO Technic as a kid, saw this set and bought it for me as a Christmas present that year. Bless her for that - or curse her, considering the consequences that decision had... Just kidding.
Anyway, this is my favorite Technic set ever, and will always have a special place in my heart. And not just because of its backstory but on its own merits too.
To me there's no other Technic set that has put that many enjoyable functions into such an attractive and realistic looking, compact package for such a good price (yes, I didn't pay for it, but the RRP was a bargain for what you got nonetheless).
Compared to this I think it's easy to see why current so called Technic sets aren't for me anymore. It was a different time for Technic back then, with awesome yet relatively affordable sets like this, the Arocs, the Claas Xerion, the Mark II Mobile Crane, The Volvo Wheel Loader etc.
I could get an entire lineup of these awesome sets for the price of just ONE current Liebherr Crane. Just let that sink in.
Or look at the laughing stock that is 42129.
Parts flopping around and/or falling off, one boring function (that can't even be used unless you have the app), and even at 40% off the RRP costs more than the Excavator. What a (bad) joke.
(Fow me) There's only one flaw with this set: the shovel is too wide.
This is one of the best LEGO Technic sets of all time, no doubt, and one of my favourites as well. It has marvelous 7 remote controlled functions carried out by only 4 motors using a function changer and 2 IR recievers packed in a very compact and good looking excavator. I remember the fiasko about the linear actuators back then, so I held back my purchase until the spring of 2011, but it did not destruct the end result, which was mind blowing. This set is a masterpiece of designer Anders Gaasedal Christensen, who later moved to the Mindstorms team, and was also the one who was responsible to start the great cooperation with Volvo construction company from LEGO side.
Streets signs, Rock Raiders, Power Miners, now this? Huwbot’s on a bit of a construction binge lately
Ah, the set that was responsible for me coming out of my dark age. Got 2 @ £24 each from a certain retailer's warehouse and sold one for £100 (well below the average at the time). It gave me enough to buy the fire station modular. And it's been a slippery slope since then..
One of the best Technic sets ever, if not THE best.
Lots of love for this one in the comment section. I'm not a technic guy and this one barely registered with me back in the day. Bu it's nice to see so much reverence. I now undetstand a bit better why it specefically got a homage in 90 years of play
Now look at the Liebherr stubble crane for 3 times the price and tell me that this set still doesn't beat it any day. And you look at the model while playing with it and not on your smarphone screen.
@AustinPowers: 42128 is retiring at the end of the year. If you don't already have it, get it now. It shows that Technic can still be great.
@TheOtherMike : thanks for the heads up. That is the only Technic set I bought in recent years.
Correction, I also bought 42145 and three of the small 9.99 Euro entry level sets.
This is THE best Technic Lego set ever. The piece to functionality ratio is simply unmatchable. I can't think of another set that even comes close. And the mechanism are brilliant too with a fantastic remote controlled aspect.
That was peak Technic for me.
Now it's all super large sets with even less functionality that this set packs with barely 1,000 pieces.
I can clearly remember the rainy day in December 2010, when in Shopping City Süd, Vösendorf, Austria my parents got this set for Christmas along 8258 at Spar's output Lego section in front of the shop and they were discounted. They are the ultimate duo for me since then. :)