[Review] 8069 Backhoe Loader

[Aventador2004]

Alright, this is long overdue. I have  seen a regular review of this set, but it's pictures are not able to be seen. I hope you like it!* (just A model build, i didn't like the B model)

Stats: **

Set name and number: 8069 Backhoe Loader

Release: 2011 

Number of Pieces: 609

Recommended Age: 10-16

Amount of Models: 2 (instructions on the Lego website for the second model)

Lego.com Price: 59,99EUR / 59,99USD / 49,99GBP

Price at cheaper stores: ~45EUR

To start the review, I want to say think very highly of this set. The building experience itself was great, but the mechanisms are beautifully engineered. However, no review is complete without pictures:

Highlighted parts:

4 Linear Actuators, 4 huge tires, and a massive bucket set the tone for the set, along with a 5x7 frame, and a smaller bucket add to this set well.

Random page:

Starting the build: parts container***

Steering: deplorable angle.

Bucket tilt / steering, one of the smartest things on the set, along with the rear section. it has three different axles running through at the same time, bucket tilt, lift, and steering.

Steering HOG / rear controls, the other smart thing i saw in this build, and uses little space. It looks super short, until the end of building.

Close up:

Front taking shape: I love how the little system parts add so much, and used sparsely.

Rear attachment: slightly modified.

The rear arm: great mechanism, auto curls the bucket.

Finished model: ain't she a beauty! one of the best models i own!

Verdict: 

Design: 9/10 

Steering angle is bad, i easily modified it with 4 half bushes (one each hub), and the backlash in worm gears is horrible.

Styling: 10/10 

Love it! the system parts, and very little color vomit (black pins would be icing on the cake).

Parts: 10/10 

Great starter pack, with the 4 linear actuators, huge bucket, and tires.

Playability:  8/10

While it's functions are great, the rear arm is hard to easily move, with the worm gear on the side, and knobs on top.

Building experience:  9/10

The only thing i hate is the mirror steps, otherwise 10/10!

Overall: 46/50 

Not much to complain about, it is nearly perfect!

https://bricksafe.com/pages/aventador2014/review-8069

*I Bought this used, with 3 bags missing. it has 6 pin wheel, Yellow axles, and new kind 99773's instead of 2905's. **Copied from an original page. *** Original box has severe damage, so no picture. 

Edited November 11, 2017 by Aventador2004

[mocbuild101]

Good review, but I personally wouldn't give it such a high rating... especially not for the design...

(and yes, I do own this set... as well as many other better ones...)

[ifilin]

My 1st Lego Technic set. Thanks for the review.

[Aventador2004]

1 hour ago, ifilin said:

My 1st Lego Technic set. Thanks for the review.

You're welcome, that is cool to hear.

8 hours ago, mocbuild101 said:

Good review, but I personally wouldn't give it such a high rating... especially not for the design...

(and yes, I do own this set... as well as many other better ones...)

I guess I give it a high opinion, because I haven't really own many sets.

[BrickbyBrickTechnic]

Not a bad review  perhaps a pictorial function demonstration would add a lot. I think your rating is too high as well.

[Aventador2004]

Before everyone says the rating is high, I dated this against the sets in this price range.

[1gor]

Good simple review 

It seems like your modification is also adding yellow axles 

[Aventador2004]

1 hour ago, I_Igor said:

it seems like your modification is also adding yellow axles 

Thank you, where else would my color vomit go... 

[Erik Leppen]

Interesting how people think it's too highly rated. I think it's one of the best sets within this price range, and good to see a review of it here after all this time. What makes this set such a delight for me is the large number of functions, specially viewing the relatively low part count. This was Technic before the panel virus hit it.

But you relaly shouldn't do a review and mods in the same topic. Either you review the set, or you mod it, but not both at once. That's kinda confusing.

[Aventador2004]

28 minutes ago, Erik Leppen said:

Interesting how people think it's too highly rated. I think it's one of the best sets within this price range, and good to see a review of it here after all this time. What makes this set such a delight for me is the large number of functions, specially viewing the relatively low part count. This was Technic before the panel virus hit it.

But you relaly shouldn't do a review and mods in the same topic. Either you review the set, or you mod it, but not both at once. That's kinda confusing.

I wasn't trying to mod it, I did not have every part available.

[1gor]

13 hours ago, Aventador2004 said:

Thank you, where else would my color vomit go... 

I see 

[andythenorth]

 One of the best Technic sets of last 10 years.  Looks good, very playable, low price, multiple types of mechanism. 

 

[Aventador2004]

3 hours ago, andythenorth said:

 One of the best Technic sets of last 10 years.  Looks good, very playable, low price, multiple types of mechanism. 

 

Does that show why i gave it a good rating?..

[Nazgarot]

This set was at the time one of the most functional in it's price range, as well as being a very good parts source. I fully support the high score. It was definitely worth it.

I still haven't seen many sets that can compare in that price range... If any of you have examples I would be very happy to check them out. There might have been some I've missed.

 

-ED-

[Aventador2004]

2 hours ago, Nazgarot said:

This set was at the time one of the most functional in it's price range, as well as being a very good parts source. I fully support the high score. It was definitely worth it.

I still haven't seen many sets that can compare in that price range... If any of you have examples I would be very happy to check them out. There might have been some I've missed...

Another high score supporter, I think The score is fine then.

The 9394, 42050 (better than you think), 42049, and 8263.

[Freekysch]

I really like this set ! It had a good price for what it offered. Thank you for the review 

[Aventador2004]

4 hours ago, Freekysch said:

I really like this set ! It had a good price for what it offered. Thank you for the review 

You're welcome.

BTW, if you have this set, did you pay regular MSRP? (i paid 35$ for 490/609 parts of the set + box and instructions.)

[mocbuild101]

8 hours ago, Aventador2004 said:

BTW, if you have this set, did you pay regular MSRP?

No, I bought it used too, first the complete lot of parts for $30, and then (about a year later) the instructions for $10.

13 hours ago, Aventador2004 said:

Another high score supporter, I think The score is fine then.

I didn't say that it was a bad rating, I just said it was a bit high - because really, it is a great set.

[Aventador2004]

1 hour ago, mocbuild101 said:

No, I bought it used too, first the complete lot of parts for $30, and then (about a year later) the instructions for $10.

I didn't say that it was a bad rating, I just said it was a bit high - because really, it is a great set.

I guess I got a good price then. I paid no money for the missing parts.

I understand, and yes, it really is a good set.

[wgemini]

My biggest issue is with the play of the back connection since the worm gear is slightly smaller than the space, so the backside wobbles around. Did you manage to fix that? 

Still my favorite technic set. 

[Aventador2004]

1 hour ago, wgemini said:

My biggest issue is with the play of the back connection since the worm gear is slightly smaller than the space, so the backside wobbles around. Did you manage to fix that? 

Still my favorite technic set. 

Not yet, it is not easily fixed.

[Nazgarot]

On 11/15/2017 at 6:02 PM, Aventador2004 said:

Not yet, it is not easily fixed.

I use small plastic shims that can be found cheap on e-bay or similar places. If you can find them thin with the right outer diameter it's no problem drilling the inner diameter to fit Lego with a high speed drill.

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/plastic-washers

-ED-

[Aventador2004]

28 minutes ago, Nazgarot said:

I use small plastic shims that can be found cheap on e-bay or similar places. 

Thanks anyway, I probably won't use them.