[MOC] 42081 Classic Volvo Wheel Loader - alternate build

[Repkovsky]

It has been some time since the premiere of 42081 ZEUX Wheel Loader, but I haven't seen any alternate build which turn it into classic wheel loader. The idea was tempting - proper bucket, 3 large linear actuators, nice wheels, what else do you need? It turned out another required resource was a lot of time for proper distribution of another ~1000 parts, which is at the edge of being enough for this project (I used ~95% of original ZEUX elements). But after many iterations and corrections the build was finished with levels of robustness, functionality and aesthetics which I am satisfied with, so I want to share it with Eurobricks community.

The shape of model was based partially on Volvo L120H and Lego 42030 (to the degree permitted by the available parts). The basic functions of the loader (elevated digging arm, titled bucket) are operated manually, however under the cabin there is some place left for motors and PF battery box (PU would probably also fit), so motorization is probably possible. Hand-of-God steering uses down-gearing with 12x20-tooth gears and gear rack for moving articulated front wheels, which results with smooth operation (surprisingly for such small down-gearing). Engine hood is openable and houses fake electric engine, with rotating fans connected to the drive. This feature was hard to achieve with the extremely low number of gears in 42081, which are mostly used for LAs and as knobs for manual functions. To transfer the rotation of wheels to fans I finally used the solution with moving beam, which is sufficient for this kind of application. Here are some pictures:

 

For more pictures look at https://bricksafe.com/pages/Repkovsky/42081-volvo-electric-wheel-loader-moc-153407.

Instruction available at https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-153407/Repcovsky/volvo-electric-wheel-loader.

Any comments are welcome!

 

[Timewhatistime]

Veeery nice!

The 42081 is a little bit problematic for C-models because of the lack of gears. You managed that very well.

I like your idea with the vertically oriented wheel hubs for the front axle a lot (an idea which I never would have had).

 

The struggle with B-/C-models (at least for me) usually is the iteration and optimization you mentioned, given the limited parts. How long did you work on this moc?

Could you please show us the articulation mechanism, maybe by a pic of the bottom side?

Which mechanism is driven by the 1 L worm gear, which is located on the vertical axis? It must be something for the steering and for the gear rack, but I can't imagine sufficiently by the pictures provided.

[Jurss]

This is great c-model. It has good detailing, well usage of parts.

[gyenesvi]

That's a nice looking alternate model, and indeed a quite logical one. Great parts usage, and I like that moving beam mechanism! Great that you persisted on it!

[1gor]

Nice alternative with such limited gears. 

BTW, upcoming 2024 year could give us next Volvo (2 years pattern); but what; tracked excavator or forest equipment?

(All other types of vehicles that are currently on offer are made in cooperation by TLC)

[Repkovsky]

Thank you!

 

9 minutes ago, 1gor said:

Nice alternative with such limited gears. 

BTW, upcoming 2024 year could give us next Volvo (2 years pattern); but what; tracked excavator or forest equipment?

(All other types of vehicles that are currently on offer are made in cooperation by TLC)

For 2024 Volvo I would bet on forest equipment, L180HL - we have already suitable parts for grabber thanks to John Deere Skidder, the only challenge I see is to fit drive for 4 functions (2 pairs of LAs, grabbing and rotating the grabber) in the front part.

 

On 8/6/2023 at 6:02 PM, Timewhatistime said:

Veeery nice!

The 42081 is a little bit problematic for C-models because of the lack of gears. You managed that very well.

I like your idea with the vertically oriented wheel hubs for the front axle a lot (an idea which I never would have had).

 

The struggle with B-/C-models (at least for me) usually is the iteration and optimization you mentioned, given the limited parts. How long did you work on this moc?

Could you please show us the articulation mechanism, maybe by a pic of the bottom side?

Which mechanism is driven by the 1 L worm gear, which is located on the vertical axis? It must be something for the steering and for the gear rack, but I can't imagine sufficiently by the pictures provided.

Vertically oriented wheel hubs are also result of limited number of parts - in such configuration it was possible to lock the hubs using   and beams which were part of the front frame and avoid using separate 7L beams for this purpose, as in original ZEUX.

I started working on this MOC in... 2021 :). But after designing digging arm, engine cover and cabin I couldn't move on to make it look proportional and I abandoned the project. I returned to building it in April this year, and it took me about 45 evenings to finish it (based on number of saved Stud.io files).

1L worm gear is misleading, as it does not drive anything, it's there only to ensure proper spacing of the gears on the axle :).

Here is the photo of articulation mechanism, however it is hard to find good angle to picture it...