RC Wheel loader

[ludov]

After having built the 42209 Volvo Wheel Loader, I got inspired (like many others ) to build an RC version. However, I got ambitious and went for a slightly bigger size. I'm quite happy with the result:

It has 4 PU L motors. It has 4x4 drive using the new differentials:

I struggled a lot with the kinematics. While  @Jundis excellent explanation was a good starting point, I didn't manage to get a satisfactory kinematics across the whole range of motion:

Especially at the top the dumping performance was poor:

Eventually, I ran out of time for the event (Load Zone - bulk goods) and gave up. I might revisit it some time, but nonetheless, it was a lot of fun to drive around with.

High-resolution photos are on Bricksafe.

Hope you like it! 

Edited September 6, 2025 by ludov

[Jundis]

Hi ludov!

Glad to help, at least a bit :D

I really like the configuration of the tires and the bucket you used. This really is a perfect scale for motorized set, where all the electronics are hidden away. Did you try to use the medium LA for the bucket tilt instead of the small one? I think there should be enough space available in you  model. Would love to see a small video of this machine in movement ;-)

[ludov]

Thanks @Jundis!

I tried with a lot of combinations, also with the larger LA. This was the best I could come up with given the constraints (also time). The medium LA is quite a bit bigger: retracted it’s as long as the extended small LA. Ideally I’d like something in between. 

In the video of @mahjqa you can see it in action: 

 

 

I’ll try to shoot something after I come back from vacation. 

Edited September 6, 2025 by ludov

[1gor]

14 hours ago, Jundis said:

Hi 

I really like the configuration of the tires and the bucket you used. This really is a perfect scale for motorized set, where all the electronics are hidden away. 

I can only repeat that; whole loader looks smooth, but (perhaps I need another glasses ) somehow rear part looks to bulky specially in comparrison to short wheelbase...

Otherwise it is nice to see loader with those tires...  ...so I don't have to brainstorm anymore and make to-do list - make 1:18 loader based on Audi tires (or something else will cross my mind in the meantime).

Kind regards

Edited September 7, 2025 by 1gor

[ludov]

Thanks @1gor! Yes you’re right about the wheel base. After I finished (yes I know), I checked the scale with a similar Komatsu, and indeed it should have been two studs longer. Maybe for version 2 

[Appie]

8 hours ago, ludov said:

I checked the scale with a similar Komatsu, and indeed it should have been two studs longer.

Heh, didn't even notice this when I saw it at the event, but now that it's mentioned, I can't unsee it, maybe this opens up options as well to add a big LA and fix that bucket tilt annoyance?

It's obviously still an awesome wheel loader as it is of course, no doubt 

[ludov]

I had thought the same @Appie, an extra stud in the front is not much, but it might allow the larger LA. I’m getting convinced about a v2 iteration.