Review : LEGO Technic 42080 Forest Machine

The third set of this new wave of LEGO Technic 2018 boxes, the reference 42080 Forest Machine (1003 pieces - 144.99 €), features a forest machine. Why not, there is something for everyone.

On the look side, it's almost that. The vehicle looks like different models of gear that you have probably seen on RMC Découverte or Discovery Channel if you are a fan of these documentaries featuring the adventures of different families of operators. The only problem with the LEGO version is that the mechanism which is placed at the end of the arm is still very close to the cockpit and the axis of the mechanical arm cannot be dissociated from that of the cabin.

In real life, it seems to me that the arm in question extends several meters and that the cutting operations are done at a good distance from the operator. But hey, I've never been to check on the spot, I usually just watch the adventures of lumberjacks who almost get run over by a tree trunk or who spend an entire episode repairing a broken machine ...

The rear part of the vehicle accommodates the battery box Power Functions which supplies the pneumatic compressor starting system with the supplied L motor. The vibrations and the noise which result from the operation of the unit gives a small realistic side to the machine, as if its engine was really running at the back. Intentional or not, this detail helps give this forestry machine an almost realistic feel.

Too bad that LEGO only provides the now "old version" of the elements Power Functions in this box, officially replaced recently by those of the ecosystem Powered Up. The manufacturer has just clarified that it has no plans to ensure backward compatibility between the two systems. Fans or a third-party manufacturer will probably take care of this in the near future with DIY or mass production of adapters and converters.

On the assembly side, if you've never assembled a set that uses the different pneumatic elements in LEGO style, this might be the opportunity to give it a go. The set is assembled quickly and the pneumatic circuit connections identified by different colors can be used to explain the principle to a young fan. It's didactic and you can take advantage of the result quickly without losing the attention of the youngest people who are a little tired of threading pins all over the page.

Do not be fooled that this vehicle is equipped with accessories Power Functions to deduce that you will be able to make him carry out many actions. The only functions provided are the movement of the arm and the opening / closing of the cutting block jaws. The saw is not managed by the mechanism, it is fixed on a floating axis which moves it according to gravity, that's all. The jaw rollers also do not rotate and the cutting block must be manually tilted to allow it to try to grab a tree trunk.

More annoying on this set: if the two cylinders of the pneumatic system manage to raise (slowly) and lower (quickly, thanks to gravity) the arm of the machine, it is more complicated with regard to the cutting mechanism . I have put a little video for you below which sums up the situation quite well: if the mechanism is horizontal or oriented downwards, it actually opens and closes without too many problems.

It is not so obvious when it is facing upwards. The pneumatic element placed in the heart of the block then has difficulty in closing the two jaws. I checked and rechecked my assembly, checked that no pipe was pinched or badly plugged in, nothing helped. A simple pressure of the hand is enough, however, to allow the two jaws to close. I've seen at least one review where the tester seemed to be facing the same issue, without mentioning it.

For the rest, the suspension of this machine which evolves in principle on relatively uneven ground is really very very flexible, probably a little too much. LEGO will undoubtedly have wanted to emphasize this detail. Why not because in any case you will not play for hours on end picking up tree trunks on the living room table.

In the end, I am a little disappointed with this set. The presence of the Logo Power Functions on the packaging had given me hope for a little more interaction with, for example, an automated cabin rotation. It is always with a certain naivety that I approach sets that highlight the logo Power Functions basically on the box, we do not remake.

Aesthetically, it is quite successful with a realistic assortment of colors and access to the Battery Box well thought out to allow for the inevitable battery changes. I would have rather seen the arm in black, but the tastes and the colors not discussing, everyone will have an opinion on the subject ...

Instructions for the alternative model, a log loader, are not included in the box. They must be downloaded at this address in PDF format :

Once again, I felt that the energy and attention expended to arrive at the end result was not necessarily rewarded by the possibilities offered by this forestry machine. Fans of the LEGO Technic universe will undoubtedly find what they are looking for with the many pneumatic elements delivered in this set. For others, it is difficult to recommend that they spend € 144.99 on this forestry machine with a little soft suspension and limited functionality. At less than 100 €, we can discuss.

Note: The set shown here is put into play as usual. To participate in the raffle, simply post a comment on this article before August 20 at 23:59 p.m.. You have every right to disagree with me, this is not eliminatory.

Update : The winner was drawn and was notified by email, his nickname is indicated below. Without a response from him to my request for contact details within 5 days, a new winner will be drawn.