LEGO TECHNIC Hauler 8264

LEGO TECHNIC Hauler 8264 Review

The 2009 mid-size Hauler is a nice addition to the 2008 construction lineup from Lego, namely the 8294 Excavator and 8295 Telehandler. It is nice that this kit actually has the Power Functions included with it rather than having to buy them separately as you had to with 8294 and 8295. The Hauler was much larger than I had anticipated for a mid-size model and it operates smoothly with the small PF motor and linear actuator, and the articulated steering is smooth as well. I wasn't really too hot on the new linear actuators when first introduced in 2008 to replace the pneumatic functions, but I rather like them, they make movements much more smooth and realistic than having to continually hand pump air into the cylinders of a pneumatic system. The dumper is the better than the alternate model which is a rather simple and boring flatbed truck, although the bed tilts via the linear actuator which is a nice touch. The downside to the alternate model is you have to download the instructions from the Lego website and unless you have a top-notch laser color printer the pics come out pretty grainy and it is REALLY hard to distinguish between dark gray and black pieces. I actually had to mark on the printouts what I thought were what color and go to the back of the instructions for the main model where the parts inventory was and make sure I had enough of each color. I was wrong in many instances. All in all though, the Hauler is worthy of the price and it is a fun early year model. Can't wait to see what is in store for the larger mid-year Technic offerings.

LEGO TECHNIC Hauler 8264 Feature

• Spend hours discovering and activating all the gears, connectors and motorized Power Functions in this 2 in 1 model; rebuilds into Flatbed Truck
• Includes Power Functions motor and battery box
• Requires 6 AA batteries; not included
• Hauler measures over 16" (40cm) long
• 575 LEGO pieces

LEGO TECHNIC Hauler 8264 Overview

No load is too tough to haul! This heavy-duty articulated hauler has it all - and you can build it! With a real motorized Power Functions tipping trailer bed, working articulated steering, independent rear suspension, an opening engine cover and even more realistic functions and details, it can go anywhere and haul anything, no matter the obstacles or challenge. Download instructions for rebuilding into a tough flatbed truck from http://technic.lego.com.

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 16, 2010 13:44:04

LEGO Technic Telehandler

LEGO Technic Telehandler Review

Excellent Lego offerings for 2008, and the 8295 Telescopic Handler does not disappoint. Just like the real machine, the boom raises uses the new unique Linear Actuators that seemed to have replaced the older pneumatic cylinders and air pumps. This is actually a good thing, without an air tank, it would take constant pumping to create enough air pressure to allow the cylinders to function, the actuators are 'screw' operated, you just turn a gear wheel on the back of the machine to actuate the cylinder to raise the boom, then using a slick clutch type setup on the side of the Telehandler you flip a switch to change the gearing to extending the boom. It would have been nice if the tilting of the forks on the end of the boom would have been operated on the machine, making it look more authentic, rather than the cheesy setup of having to turn a lever on the fork assembly itself, maybe 1 extra Linear Actuator on the end of the boom would have accomplished the task, but then the price tag might have hit 0 as well...either way it is a lot of fun, and actually fairly complex to assemble the Telehandler, even more so than the Flagship 2008 model, #8297 Off-Roader. It is advisable that you motorize the Telehandler with either #8293 Power Functions kit, or if you have an extra battery box, clutch gear and the small Power Functions motor, you can simply motorize the boom, which is actually quite cool to watch. You can motorize the #8294 Excavator as well with the same 3 parts, and it adds a lot of replay value to the sets.

LEGO Technic Telehandler Feature

• Turn knob on the back to raise and lower the boom, then flip the switch to extend it
• Tilt the front forklift to pick up the cargo pallet
• The boom extends over 21" (53cm) and the Telescopic Handler measures 15" (38cm) long and 15" (38cm) high
• Includes instructions for rebuilding into a rugged log loader
• Contains 1,182 pieces
• Motorize the telescoping boom using the 8293 Power Functions Motor Set which is sold separately

LEGO Technic Telehandler Overview

Lift nearly anything with this heavy-duty Telescopic Handler! It's loaded with realistic functions that you build right in, including a hydraulic actuator that raises and lowers the extending boom, front-end stabilizers, and working four-wheel steering. You can even add the Power Functions Motor Set (sold separately) to motorize the telescoping boom. Turn the knob on back to raise and lower the boom, then flip the switch the extend it. Tilt the front forklift to pick up the cargo pallet. Boom extends over 21". Telescopic Handler measures 15"L x 15"H. Includes instructions for rebuilding into a rugged Log Loader. 1,182 pieces.

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 08, 2010 21:47:04