Telehandler

This is another quality entry into the Lego Technic mid-price range, following the Go Kart from last year and the Mining truck the year before that. Granted, I think this set at MSRP is overpriced, but if you can pick it up for around $30, as I did, it is a five star product. If you have to pay MSRP I would call it a 4 star product because a 260 piece Technic set is simply not worth $40.Loved how the steering is done differently as opposed to a typical rack and pinion and that all four wheels steer, giving it prototypical maneuverabilityThe only thing I would suggest as a shortcoming is that it's a bit... bare, like, it could have been dressed up a bit better, especially for the price.Still, for the right price, 5 stars, great set, fun build, great play value. more less

The LEGO Telehandler #42061 is the most well-designed set I have 'ever' had the privilege of owning in some eighteen years of building LEGOs. Bold opinion, I know, but let me talk you through it. I received this set as a birthday gift from my girlfriend. I initially thought she made a poor choice as the price seemed steep for a set with only 260 pieces, but when she handed me the box I immediately noticed the heft to it. There are many larger, more complicated pieces in this set such as the two components of the arm, the tires, and the front bucket and so I can guarantee you the price tag is more than reasonable. The way I see it, LEGO is an amazing product because it really offers two products and an experience all in one. You get a toy, a display piece, and of course the fun experience of building LEGOs. The only caveat to this is that if you want an awesome display piece that is fun to build, it probably won't be a great toy; you can usually only maximize two of the three. This is the reason I believe the telehandler to be the greatest LEGO set of all time. It is not only my favorite desktop display piece, it is also my favorite toy, and the experience of building it was positively delightful. If you haven't already decided to buy this set, I'll elaborate further on these characteristics below. When it comes to display models, size matters, and this set may seem small compared to other Technic sets, but it is the perfect size for a desktop piece, especially if you prefer a minimalist aesthetic for your workplace. The red, gray, and black color scheme is clean cut and great looking, and the exposed gears and mechanisms make for something that is very comforting to look at. The ample adjust-ability also allows you pose it any way you want, and a minifigure even fits into the seat very nicely. (I have a construction worker Emmet in mine right now) The set also comes with a printed license plate brick which is super cool to see, especially in a set as cheap as this one. As a toy this set is also amazing; it has all the functionality of an actual telehandler. Four functions in a set this small is impressive to say the least, and the controls all feel very natural and comfortable. The mechanisms are all super nifty and if you enjoy cranes and excavators, this is the perfect combination of those two machines. If you have made it this far into my review and still do not want to buy the set, this is the part that I am sure will change your mind. The design of this set's building experience is what initially inspired me to create this account and write this review. Whoever designed this deserves a Starbucks gift card or whatever the LEGO corporation does for their designer of the month. The chassis of this vehicle is amazing; the mechanism it uses for steering is not only super neat to look at, but also so incredibly effective. It gave me a whole new perspective on the use of the comb wheel LEGO piece (#4210759); I would attach pictures, but that would ruin the surprise! There are also four amazingly placed ball with friction snap pieces (#4184169) that dampen the turning, improving the pleasure of use without infringing on the turning radius. The frame itself is also tastefully color coded to help signify a sense of orientation when building without detracting from the final look of the product. Everything went together very smoothly, it was a quick build, but the attention to detail is unrivaled by any other set I have built. I honestly love this set so much that I want to get it some friends and have been actively looking for other Technic industrial vehicle sets of comparable size and aesthetic that are green, blue, and yellow. Please do message me if you have any suggestions, and happy building! more less