42209 Volvo L120 Electric Wheel Loader - Mods and Improvements

[Paul B Technic]

LEGO Technic 42209 - Mod - Rear Tow Mount Attachment

 

Recently I have been researching some different attachments for my LEGO Technic 42209 Volvo L120 Front End Loader. I have started to design some rear mounted attachments but firstly I needed to find a way to attach these to the L120. My goal was to build an attachment that required the least amount of changes to the standard L120 build (to make changing it back easier), while still providing a solid mounting point for my attachments and also looking good.

After looking at a few options, I came up with the below. The only change from "standard" is replacing 2 x 2L pins black with 2 x 3L pins blue, as can be seen circled in red below. These allow the beams to be attached to the chassis. A couple of pins were also used to attached it to the bottom beam. This will allow me to build various attachments but also easily swap it back to "standard" if I want.
 

 

 

[Nazgarot]

On 6/11/2025 at 1:39 AM, Appie said:

After reading Jundis' very informative topic about kinematics of wheel loaders, I gave it another whirl to fix the z-linkage and I do believe I have a very good fix now and it only takes a small adjustment with 6 4 extra parts.

• An 8 or 9L axle 
• A frictionless 3L pin
• 2 half bushes (re-used from parts left over from the original build)
• 2 liftarms 2x4 

The main difference is that I changed the turning point of the z-linkage upwards to the next best available slot on the default model.

Placing the L-liftarms in the middle might be a little tricky, I don't have a solution for this yet except for placing the liftarms that hold the bucket outwards like in Jundis' mod.

Range of motion compared to the original model in the back (both without Jundis' earlier mod btw)

it's slightly less level than the original, trade off is that it can dip a little deeper:

The whole lift up and down can now be done without adjusting the tilt halfway through. At the very bottom of the lift LA's motion you get some resistance, similar to the orignal when the lift LA's are about 2mm away from being fully turned in. Since this is the best position to lower the bucket on the floor, I don't mind this. I wished the thing was level like the original at the top, but I can live with that for easier controls.

I've been doing a lot of testing trying to get this right. I first tried to mod it so the linear actuator was under the linkage (like the real machine), but it requires a lot of restructuring and basically rebuilding most of the loader arms.

I agree that this is the best quick fix, especially if combined with Jundis fix from the top of the page. This removes any forcing of the lift actuators in lower position and allows for a better up angle in lower position. 

Thanks to both @Apple and @Jundis for these ideas!

[Paul B Technic]

LEGO Technic 42209 - Mod - Dozer Blade Attachment

 

I have recently been working on designing and building a front mounted dozer blade attachment for Lego Technic 42209, Volvo L120 Electric Frontend Loader. 

I came up with the idea for this after seeing some construction work on a highway near my home. It is attached using my normal front quick mount attachment points, it can be both raised and lowered and the angle of the blade can also be changed,

Overall it works well and allows me to push around loads, using the L120.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://paulbtechnic.blogspot.com/2025/06/lego-technic-42209-mod-dozer-blade.html

[Paul B Technic]

LEGO Technic 42209 - Mod - Rear Lifting Attachment Mount

 

As part of my ongoing work designing new attachments for the LEGO Technic 42209 Volvo L120 Front End Loader, I’ve recently turned my attention to the rear of the model. To support rear-mounted tools and accessories, I first needed a reliable and tidy way to mount them—without making major changes to the original build. This mount is an improvement on my previous one, as it now also includes a small LA, to allow the rear mounted attachments to also be lifted.

My main goal was to create a strong and functional rear mounting system that required minimal modifications to the stock L120 design. This would allow me to easily return the model to its standard configuration whenever needed.

After testing a few approaches, I settled on the solution pictured below. The only modification from the standard build is the replacement of two black 2L pins with blue 3L pins (highlighted in red), which provide extra reach for securing beams to the rear chassis. Additional beams underneath help stabilize the structure and tie it into the lower beam.

This setup gives me a solid foundation for building and swapping a range of rear attachments—without compromising the original look or structure of the L120.
 

 

 

 

https://paulbtechnic.blogspot.com/2025/07/lego-technic-42209-mod-rear-lifting.html

[Paul B Technic]

LEGO Technic 42209 - Mod - Rear Mount Reel Mower MK2

 

Another day, another upgrade! Continuing the expansion of rear-mounted tools for the 42209 Volvo L120 Front End Loader, I’m excited to introduce the Reel Mower Attachment MK2 — a compact, road-ready, and fully functional mowing unit designed to work seamlessly with my rear lifting attachment system.

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Realism Meets Road Function

Inspired by traditional push-style reel mowers, the MK2 version brings both functionality and improved mobility to your LEGO Technic builds. This updated version now features rear wheels, allowing the attachment to be towed across roads or terrain without damaging the mower deck — adding a new layer of play and transport realism.

The Reel Mower connects to the L120 using my rear lifting attachment mount, meaning it can be easily raised or lowered for working or transport modes. It also maintains full compatibility with my rear lifting attachment mount, keeping it modular and easy to swap out, in this case by removing the two Orange pins.

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Key Features

• Rear Wheels for Road Transport – Now equipped with a dual-wheel setup, allowing the attachment to roll freely behind the L120 when not in use.

• Rear Lift Compatible – Designed specifically for the custom rear lifting attachment on the 42209, allowing full lifting functionality.

• Floating Reel Deck – The mower deck pivots freely to follow uneven LEGO terrain, simulating real-world mowing dynamics.

• Technic Reel Detail – Built using a simulated rotating reel made from Technic elements, for an authentic look and feel.

• Strong, Lightweight Build – Reinforced with liftarms and Technic panels in lime green for durability and high visibility.

• Quick Hitch System – Swaps in seconds using my rear lifting attachment mount for 42209 mods.

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Use Scenarios

From mowing LEGO city parks to grooming the greens of a mini golf course, the Reel Mower MK2 brings landscaping to life. Its compact footprint and working-style design make it a perfect addition for roleplay involving councils, contractors, or farm crews.

Whether driving it down a LEGO street or getting to work on the lawn, the Reel Mower MK2 brings a new layer of realism and play to your 42209.
 

 

More Photos and Video - https://paulbtechnic.blogspot.com/2025/07/lego-technic-42209-mod-rear-mount-reel.html

[Paul B Technic]

LEGO Technic 42209 - Mod - Road Roller Attachment

 

Another day, another custom attachment — and this one brings some serious weight to the back end of the Volvo L120!

Introducing the Road Roller Attachment — part of my ongoing series of mods for the 42209 Volvo L120 Front End Loader. This unit connects via my standard rear lifting mount, making it fully compatible with the rest of my MFET (Multi Function Equipment Trailer) system and allowing for quick changes between tools.

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Aesthetic Twist: Black & White

Instead of sticking with the usual yellow-and-black Volvo palette, I decided to go with a black and white colour theme this time. It gives the roller a clean, industrial look that stands apart from the loader itself — and honestly, it pops. This shift also makes it easier to visually separate attachment functions during play or display.

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Built for Play and Function

• The roller drum spins freely, making it great for imaginative play and realistic construction scenes.

• The rear lifting mechanism lifts and lowers the roller smoothly, using the built-in controls of the L120.

• It’s wide and stable enough to visually suggest real surface compaction while keeping the part count low.

This attachment really rounds out the attachments I have built (pun intended), giving the Volvo a role beyond digging and lifting. Now, it can pave and prep surfaces too!

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Compatible. Modular. Clean.

Whether you’re a Technic builder or someone who loves the modularity of MOCs and mods, this road roller slots in perfectly with the 42209 MOD system. It’s satisfying to see all the pieces come together in a way that balances form, function, and fun.
 

 

 

 

https://paulbtechnic.blogspot.com/2025/07/lego-technic-42209-mod-road-roller.html

[Paul B Technic]

LEGO Technic 42209 - Mod - Field Plough Attachment

 

This is my latest attachment for LEGO Technic set 42209, Volvo L120 Front End Loader. This is a rear mounted field plough. This attaches to my standard rear lifting mount, making it fully compatible with the rest of my MFET (Multi Function Equipment Trailer) system and allowing for quick changes between tools.

 

As can be seen in the photos below, this can be raised and lowered as needed, when raised, it can be moved between work areas, without having to disconnect it.

 

 

 

 

[Paul B Technic]

LEGO Technic 42209 - Mod - Forest Rake Attachment

 

This is my latest attachment for LEGO Technic set 42209, Volvo L120 Front End Loader. This is a rear mounted forest rake. This attaches to my standard rear lifting mount, making it fully compatible with the rest of my MFET (Multi Function Equipment Trailer) system and allowing for quick changes between tools.

 

As can be seen in the photos below, this can be raised and lowered as needed, when raised, it can be moved between work areas, without having to disconnect it.

 

 

 

 

[Jundis]

5 hours ago, Paul B Technic said:

Hey Paul, just wanna support you here in your work to improve your building skills.

You should always look at your models when they bend or lets say where they seem to be stressed: In the upper pic you can clearly see 2 "problematic" areas: The upper attachment point for the small LA (lets call it A) and the connection point of the 3x19 liftarm rack (lets call it B).

Now how can you improve it?

Point A) The problem for the stress is here, that all the weight of the rake is supported through the small LA which then gives it to the vertical LBG 7L liftarms to the chassis of your model. What you could do is the following: Make a second connection point on the second pin hole from the top of these two 7L liftarm directly to the main frame of the model. Best place would be on the rear engine bay, next to the 12T gear for the main boom raising, there are some black 3L liftarm. Two of them can be swapped to for example these liftarms:

Then you have a stable, second attachment point for you structure and it won't bent that easily.

 

Point B) The problem here is, that the attachment point is too narrow to the hitch point of your structure and therefor it curves downwards so much. There are many solutions to solve this. I would maybe change the attachment point of the small LA and connect the cylinder directly to the 3x19 liftarm rack. Another idea you be to better support the 3x19 rack. Instead of the black 3L half beam liftarms, you could use two 3x5 bent liftarms:

Use the same attachment points but with 2L friction pins. These pins have less play than the tan 1 1/2 frictionless pins of the axles you are using. And the L-shape gives more stability.

 

A major flaw in this universal attachment of yours is the following: You only using the orange pins to secure and support the whole structure. For example in normal tractors, with a 3-point hitch, there is always this upper connection rod which gives stability to the whole system:

 

Hopefully this helps improving you next creations :-)

[Paul B Technic]

Thank you for the feedback, I am going to redesign this.