Review: 30655 Forklift with Pallet
Posted by CapnRex101,
Technic polybags have proven appealing in the last couple of years, managing to include some clever functions between 30465 Helicopter and 30433 Volvo Wheel Loader. The range presents another enjoyable vehicle this year, with 30655 Forklift with Pallet.
Whereas modern Technic models are generally shrouded in panels, these polybags emphasise function over appearance. The resulting resemblance to older Technic sets is quite charming!
Summary
30655 Forklift with Pallet, 78 pieces.
£3.50
30655 Forklift with Pallet includes a brilliant function and looks splendid too
- Neat, compact function
- Realistic shape
- Some odd colours
The Completed Model
Forklift trucks have been represented multiple times in the Technic theme, including at relatively small scales in 8441 Fork-Lift Truck and 8290 Mini Forklift. The proportions of this design closely resemble lightweight forklifts, featuring small wheels, rather than the bulkier vehicles which have inspired the models from 2003 and 2005.
Furthermore, this model is more functional than its predecessors, dispensing with a rubber band to raise and lower the forks. Instead, the forks are controlled by turning the trans-orange light on the roof of the cab. The titular pallet is built using standard bricks rather than Technic pieces, but serves its purpose for play.
A simple worm gear underneath the trans-orange 1x1 cone raises and lowers a liftarm inside the cab, which is then connected to the carriage and the forks. The mechanism is certainly nothing new, but functions smoothly and allows the forks to stop in any position. However, perhaps more remarkable is that the liftarm is ideally positioned to raise the carriage to the top of the mast and no further, without needing a stopper on top!
I like the visibility of the function, especially because this does not interfere with the shape of the forklift truck. The red bodywork at the back looks good, incorporating a 3x1x2 shell that has only appeared three times before in red. There are some unsightly colours, between the blue Technic pins and reddish brown axles, but I think these are excusable given the scale.
Overall
30655 Forklift with Pallet maintains the high standard of these Technic polybags. The function is inevitably rather basic, but occupies minimal space and works nicely, greatly improving upon the aforementioned rubber bands used on previous forklift trucks of comparable scale. The ability to stop the forks anywhere on the mast is satisfying, in particular.
There are some awkward colours, but the shape of the forklift is immediately identifiable and this model prioritises function, where it excels. The polybag is arriving in Tesco in the UK and I would certainly recommend it, costing £3.50. Hopefully this little set becomes similarly available around the world.
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20 comments on this article
I hope that this set will be available in Germany soon!
My dad used to work at a company that trained forklift operators, so when I saw this polybag in the store for just €3, it was an instant buy for me (twice of course, since I had to get my dad one too!). It was a fun build and the lift works great!
My only remark is that the pallet has a very odd shape, but I don’t care, had a great time building and playing, and my dad loved it too.
The 'choice' of spare part is particular: a grey pin (https://brickset.com/parts/design-3673)
@UProbeck said:
"I hope that this set will be available in Germany soon!"
I think I saw it last week at a Müller drugstore. It's listed in their online catalog. I got mine from Steinehelden.
Picked one up for € 2,99 two weeks ago. Nice set!
Isn't this all you could ask for from a polybag? For what it is, this is about as perfect as it could be. I'm not even that bothered by the weird colors, though it helps that the red axles match nicely with the main colors. Technic in its purest form. Whenever I see this in store, I'll surely buy it!
This is a Technic set I’d like to pick up!
Previous polybags were also available in Technic magazines.
I always enjoy seeing that worm gear show up. Reminds me of a DACTA set my family had when I was a kid, (1034) which I believe was the first time I encountered the element.
Best Technic set of 2023, hands down.
I haven’t been able to find this in the US except on eBay where it goes for about $13 with shipping. Will Target or Walmart get this item eventually?
@UProbeck said:
"I hope that this set will be available in Germany soon!"
I already bought in Müller
I picked up (and copied from my parts) a number of last year's polybag Technic sets. They'er highly functional for the size and usually contain really useful parts, too. I'd happily pick up 3 or 4 of this if I see them when I'm out and about.
Found in Tescos yesterday and grabbed a couple. Great little build
Love these little Technic sets. Just grabbed the Snow Groomer, and will definitely get this little beauty as well.
THIS is the kind of Technic set I am looking for. Not all those paneled-up licenced sets that do nothing for me.
I really wish they would release these Technic polybags for standard retail in the US. The first one was never released here at all, and the 2nd was only a GWP. There's plenty of Technic sets coming out this year that I can buy to get it as a GWP if I need to, but I really wish I could just buy it directly and not go through that hassle.
I’d say the pallet looks bad, but I guess if you take it in context…
@Tc99m said:
"My only remark is that the pallet has a very odd shape, but I don’t care, had a great time building and playing, and my dad loved it too. "
I’ve seen US (NA?) standard pallets, EU standard pallets, and a whole range of custom pallets. Did you know some forklifts get delivered on pallets? Obviously custom, and made of hardwood, and the forklifts are bolted to them. The thermoformer I used to work for got plastic in 1-ton loads of 4’x8’x3/16” sheet, so the pallets had to be 4’x8’. I’ve seen them as small as 2’x2’ for really heavy items. It all depends on what you’re shipping. Sometimes standard sizes make sense (especially for boxed product), but other times they’re too much of a hassle, or they actually make things unsafe. Oh, and beverage deliveries have their own standard size, which is perfectly square.
Looks great!
8835 deserves a mention. One of my favorites as a kid (and still is).
Well darn, I was certified to operate 8290 and now I'm going to have to get re-certified for this new-fangled thing.
This smaller sets have a certain charm, guessing as polybag rather than a box it does not appear on the Lego store or Amazon?
Great set. I daresay better than almost everything larger this year. This is what technic should strive to be like more!
Just wish the availability of polybags isn't always such a toss-up.