[MOC] Wheel Loader with Grabber

[TechnicRCRacer]

It's been a long time, but I finally got the itch to build again. I thought it would be neat to copy the claw-grabbing feature from 8479 without the use of flex cables. So, I spent the evening messing around with Dark Turquoise parts and freelanced this wheel loader:

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The main feature of the model is that it uses one gear to close and lift the claw (like 8479). Turning the gear closes the claw, and when the claw cannot close further (either at the end of its travel or when grasping an object), the whole assembly pivots upward. Since the gear is set behind the central pivot point of the model, steering can be done just by pulling to the side without needing a second knob. There is also a mini inline-4 engine in the back.

Side profile:

The claw in action:

 

I thought it would be weird and interesting to use Bionicle feet for the exhaust:

 

It may not be pretty, but I'm satisfied with it as one evening's work. I am thinking about adding this to Rebrickable (were I haven't added any of my MOCS to since 2018!) but need to find out if there's a better method to making instructions today than taking hundreds of photos on carpet. Maybe I will make a second version when the Valkyrie comes out! Those wheel arches would be handy.

 

-TechnicRCRacer

[Jurss]

This somehow wrong and at the same time interesting :) . Even don't know how to describe my impressions.

[Timewhatistime]

"Weird and interesting" - these are the right words to describe this nice MOC.  

The combination of old and new parts is great, and by the somewhat rare 3x7 bent liftarms in trans-red one can deduce your "active" time in Technic.

Edited Saturday at 01:13 PM by Timewhatistime

[Paul B Technic]

Very nicely done.

[Zerobricks]

Very excentric and futuristic - gives me late 90s Technic vibes.

[TechnicRCRacer]

I used this model as an excuse to learn Bricklink Studio and made free digital instructions for it! I also uploaded it to Rebrickable and this link should go live when it is approved:

https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-220067/TechnicRCRacer/wheel-loader-with-grabber/#details

Thanks for the compliments; I was definitely going for a 90s vibe since I recently bought a copy of 8446 and thought it looked interesting.