Hook Loader

Excellent introduction to LEGO Technic building for its low piece count, straightforward steps, and absence of stickers. The geared hooked arm is a truly fascinating mechanism. It works smoothly both picking up and dropping off the bed. However, I took a star off because the bed lacks a gate, making any cargo you choose to carry slip off during the load/unload process. The photos I've included show a Matchbox vehicle being the perfect size for cargo, but the steep incline created while the arm does its job forces any cargo (wheeled or unwheeled) to slip off. As with all LEGO, modifications are possible with this set (using pieces not included), but I'm still slightly disappointed. more less

This technic set is great. I feel like the hook loader part of the set is slightly better than the fire truck part because of the tipping function on the loader. The loader really does work and look like a real hook loader! I really enjoyed this set! more less

I think this is one clever small set. Its target audience, kids, will love this set. It does look like a truck, and even better, it looks like a truck that is drawn and imagined by a kid, in a good way. more less

Holding the box in hand I was underwhelmed yes – but I did get a little satisfaction out of it once built I have to admit. This is not an AFOL set, this is a starter Technic set, and on that note I think it achieves it's goals very well. The main model is good. With such a limited amount of parts you can build a recognisable truck with some play features, and I think for the target demographic it's important than you can zoom it about and do stuff with it. It's actually quite fun loading and offloading. more less