Tag Archives: Linear Actuators

LEGO Technic Excavator The LEGO Technic Excavator is loaded with realistic details and working functions, including hydraulic actuators that raise and lower the articulated arm, an extending and contracting bucket scoop, 360-degree rotating cab section, and rolling caterpillar tracks. Also includes instructions for rebuilding into a Tracked Dumper. Add motorized power with Power Functions Motor Set (sold sepearately). 720 pieces.
Customer Review: Good Design with Valuable Pieces
Lego released this set mid-2008. The design is very good, and for the money (MSRP is sixty dollars) you get quite a few valuable parts that are useful for building your own designs. The set is the first to have the new linear actuators (the two pistons that move the excavator arm). It also includes a good number of the relatively new treads that were introduced in 2007 with the bulldozer (8275) and snowmobile (8272). The turntable, track suspension parts, transmission ring and catch (somewhat rare), and large number of studless beams are also handy. As for the design, the excavator has great playability, though I do recommend the Power Functions motor set (8293) because the linear actuators require large amounts of winding.
Customer Review: Can’t Go Wrong w/the Lego Technic Excavator 8294!
This is a review of the “A” model Excavator and not the “B” model Tracked Dumper(we haven’t done the “B” model yet because were having to much fun with the Excavator “A” model):
Well Engineered toy, Directions were spot on, no errors I could find, was a pleasure to assemble with my 4 year old son. He’s been playing with it for weeks! He brings it with him wherever he goes, to say he likes it is an understatement. This set is a must have if your son/daughter likes to experiment and build like mine does.
It is a very durable toy, it fell off the dining room table onto a hardwood floor and the pieces breakaway but don’t shatter, and you just reassemble it, no harm done.
The only drawback is that it doesn’t come with the Power Functions kit(#8293, an extra $30) and it is a must have. The kit transforms the excavator into a real scale functioning excavator (I own real heavy equipment myself), which can actually dig dry sand, sifted loam. We attached a small jewelry chain to it and it can lift things like Transfomers Bumblebee and some surprisingly heavy objects just like a real excavator does! So dont hesitate to get one of these, it is worth the money.