Forest Harvester

This was a truly enjoyable build and my first large one since I was a kid. I especially appreciated the numbered bags as they made it possible to find pieces in a reasonable amount of time. The pneumatics worked great with no rebuilds and, as usual, the instructions were excellent. I was really impressed with how simple the system was, kind of like a reverse train engine where the rotating motor generates linear motion which fills the system with air. The only real issue I had was the flexible pneumatic tubes gather dust and cat hair like nothing I've ever seen! more less

In conclusion, I quite enjoyed building the Forest Machine as my first foray into Technic, even with the challenges I experienced in sections three. It was fun to see each section of the vehicle come together, and how the sections connected and worked together as a complete unit. more less

Before building this model I was hoping that the functions would compensate for the poor exterior of the model. Unfortunately, they don't. There are simply too much negative aspects to make me enthusiastic about this set. I would think twice, or thrice, before forking out 129 euro for a couple of new panels and some Pneumatic parts. Even at a decent discount I think it's better to order these Pneumatic parts via S&H or Bricklink. more less

It's an impressive looking model with a pleasing colour scheme. It's a relatively quick and easy build with no complex gearboxes, or densely packed or repetitive sections. It's therefore a great introduction to the Technic pneumatic system for those who have not encountered it before. However, like almost all Technic pneumatic sets, operating it is ultimately disappointing. Pneumatic functionality is limited to two motions and it all seems a bit of an overkill having a battery box, motor, compressor and inches of pipework to provide them when it could have been done more efficiently mechanically. If the whole cutting head could be controlled without the need for intervention with one's hand then I can see that it would be worthwhile but as it is I'm not so sure. more less

The Forest Machine is an interesting set, the combination of the pneumatics and Power Functions is fun but also seems a little bit of overkill for what it actually powers. That being said there aren't that many sets which make use of the Pneumatic System, which makes it rather unique set. Technic sets are a mini marvel of engineering, especially those with additional powered functions, so having a system which also uses air to provide movement is definitely worth experiencing. The small additional bits such has the two logs and chopping stand are a little pointless, especially with the tree stumps being so delicate and easily breakable, although that does mean you can actually cut the log, well in a fashion. All in all its a fun set to build, with a unique power system to experience. more less

This 2018 Technic set is full of details, especially in the last steps where big logs of wood, a chainsaw and a rack to store the wood logs are included. This makes playing with this set much more entertaining. more less