MOC – LEGO Technic Wheeled Separator

Paul B Technic · 2025-08-06T03:25:11Z

Another day, another machine! I’m excited to share my latest custom LEGO Technic build — the Wheeled Separator — a compact, functional, and fun model designed to mimic real-world sorting equipment, but in a smaller Technic scale.

💡 Inspiration and Concept

The inspiration for this MOC came from the B-model of LEGO Technic Set 42055 - Bucket Wheel Excavator, which included a fantastic sorting mechanism for mining operations. I’ve always loved the idea of machines that do something, and I wanted to bring that concept into a smaller, more modular form. The result is this mini-sized separator system that fits right into my growing ecosystem of LEGO construction equipment.

⚙️ How It Works

This Wheeled Separator is built around a functional sorting system using conveyor belts and gravity:

Loading Hopper: Parts are loaded in at the rear hopper.
Conveyor Belt System: These carry the pieces forward through the sorting frame.
Separation Mechanism: Smaller parts fall through the gap in the middle section and are diverted to a side output chute, while larger parts continue along to the bottom conveyor belt and exit via the yellow front ramp.
It’s simple, visual, and surprisingly fun to operate — just like the big machines!

🔄 Modular Integration

✅ Material Handler Compatible: It’s specifically designed to work in tandem with LEGO Technic 42144 – Material Handler. The Material Handler can easily load parts into the hopper, creating an engaging and realistic play sequence.
✅ Towable by 42209: Thanks to its compact wheeled base, the Separator can also be towed behind LEGO Technic 42209 – Volvo L120H or my modified versions of it, making it a great addition to mobile work sites.

📐 Design Highlights

Compact but detailed frame using mostly Liftarms and Technic panels
Realistic conveyor belt motion (manual or motorisable)
Easy part flow demonstration using LEGO pieces of varying sizes
Black and grey colour scheme with functional yellow accents for realism

This build represents my ongoing interest in creating modular, playable Technic machinery that both looks the part and "does something" — and this Wheeled Separator does just that.