[MOC] Mining Excavator

[GiantAmbushBeetle]

I built a LEGO mining excavator in minifig-size! 

I've always been a little sad that LEGO never got around to make proper sets of the big machines used in surface mining, with the mining experts franchise they're only doing some rather underwhelming very unrealistic mining equipment, so I have to build my own.  

These excavators are used in large coal pits, they load the rocky overburden that is covering the coal into large dump trucks. They have a so called face-shovel, unlike traditional shovels it is turned around so it can dig into the rock piles, and the shovel simply swings open to unload. Those machines are quite big, the smallest already weigh 70 tons, with the biggest up to 1000 metric tons.

I installed actuators which can be operated via knobs on the right side of the machine to move the arm. The operators cab is protected from falling rocks via a protective lattice, in the rear sits a large displacement diesel V8, the shovel swings open just like a real one. 850 bricks. 

I hope you like it! 

 

 

 

 

[carebear]

Hi

Great Build!

- love the engine-room!

Greetings!

[lightningtiger]

Awesome creator expert style construction vehicle.......Brick On !

[ColletArrow]

Looks realistic and functions realistically - just what I love trying to achieve in LEGO, and you've managed this one perfectly. Excellent work, I may have to copy it one day.

[GiantAmbushBeetle]

Thanks! :D

[Fuppylodders]

This is really good! Loving the brick built bucket! Engine bay is a nice touch too. A nice smooth build 

[GiantAmbushBeetle]

15 hours ago, Fuppylodders said:

This is really good! Loving the brick built bucket! Engine bay is a nice touch too. A nice smooth build 

Thanks! None of the LEGO excavator shovels really fit, I also thought its more fun to build it myself. I built the buckets for three excavators now, I think I'll stick to that practice.