The LEGO Technic line has been consistently releasing diggers every year. Diggers have become a common sight in collector’s hands … or in the sale bin. As a collaboration with Volvo, LEGO has designed and released a set this year based on futuristic ideas and concepts and might be a viable design in the future.
Meet the Concept Wheel Loader ZEUX. It came about at a “fun, informal team building event to inspire the Volvo CE and LEGO Technic design teams” that “evolved into [the development of a model of a] fully fledged autonomous concept wheel loader”, according to this article on the Volvo CE website. And now, it is one of the most intriguing sets released under Technic so far.
The Model
Due to a lack of Technic sets, a comparison cannot be made. However, it should be stressed that this set is HUGE. Sadly, it does not have numbered bags despite the large amount of parts. It was painful to sift through the multitude of parts and figure out where the part was in the huge pile. It took a lot of time just to build this model.
It’s size is quite large at 40 cm long and 20 cm wide. The vibrant colors of yellow and orange in contrast to the mostly black vehicle makes the set a much more appealing one to children and AFOLs alike. The extensive sticker selection could enhance the appearance of the model but I have chosen not to with it,as shown in the photo.
As mentioned, it is an autonomous vehicle and does not have a cockpit for a human driver. Instead, it has a drone that docks on top of the power unit when not in use. The design of the drone is very simple yet sleek and attractive. The drone is quite plain though without the sticker. A camera for surveillance is also attached to the power unit.
The flaps on the side can be opened to reveal a few electronics and electrical panels within.
The wheels are labelled as 6141782: Tyre Tractor DiA. 107X44. It is only provided in 4 sets so it is an appealing piece to add to your tyre collection. It is second cheapest, just behind the LEGO Ninjago Movie Quake Mech, released just last year.
The bucket is and exclusive piece and first-of-its-kind. Its large size means it can hold a few heavy loads along the way.
Functionality
Note: this is a fictional vehicle and does not exist in real life. Don’t get your hopes up too high.
Adjustable Wheelbase
There are 3 linear actuators in this model itself, the first being used to adjust the wheelbase. It adjusts the wheelbase from 25 cm…
to… 20 cm. The back end is raised as a result of the transformation. The said linear actuator is controlled by a gear in the middle of the set.
Moving counterweight
The power unit at the back should be heavy as it can be adjusted further back. Kids would just ooh and aah at this, but we robotic students acknowledge this added feature to balance out the (imaginative) weight carried by the bucket.
Twisting the gear at the back moves it back and forth by means of a rack-and-pinion, which explains the complexity of this section of the build.
The Volvo website has this to say about these features: “The frame is what we call a scissor frame that can be lowered or raised as needed. In this way it can balance and gain the optimal position and angle for the task at hand. Balance is kept by automatic movement of the counterweight.This means the ZEUX can alter its center of gravity as needed. ”
Bucket!!!
The bucket is a must-need piece for the functionality of a digger, even if it is fictional. Hence, the bucket in this model is large for the playing of children and adults alike. The arm and bucket are raised, lowered and tipped using two gears on either side of the vehicle. This functions with the linear actuator built into it
.There’s a good range of movement which will facilitate the loading, moving and tipping of whatever ‘pretend rocks’ you have available.
Steering
Finally, the vehicle’s 4-wheel steering is controlled using a gear just behind the arm. Unlike many a Technic vehicle, it has a respectable turning circle.
Conclusion
To be honest, I have had my eyes on this for a while now and I am not disappointed by the result. The set is well designed to be both realistic and fictional at the same time. This set has an immense amount of play value and will appeal to everyone, even if it’s just for display. However, if you are on a budget, I suggest you wait for sales before picking this set up as the price is quite steep. But if you are buying it as a Christmas gift or just for display, I really recommend this for you.
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