Project M- Front Loader

[ZCerberus]

Front loader-

I struggled with the initial design of this one. I had saved an 8 wide bucket from my backhoe build specifically for the front of the loader, but it was just too small. Luckily, I had the bigger bucket from an old Aquaraiders set (which is still only 8 studs wide). It is much bulkier and deeper than the standard click hinge bucket and has two connection points which meant I could actually make it functionally tip with the right engineering.

Based on that, I knew I wanted a few key features: 1. An articulating front end

and 2. a fully functional bucket system on the front. The bucket system was difficult for me to engineer. Even though the actual mechanism isn’t too hard to figure out, the size of the actuator, technic beams and thin lift arms along with the relatively close proximity of the mounting points on the bucket proved challenging at first. After much frustration, I decided to abandon the functionality in favor of good looks. As is typical with anything in life, once I gave up on the functionality, something in my brain clicked and my very next attempt to make the bucket just “look good” also generated a function that worked out too. Hazzah! A fully tipping bucket!

The articulation wasn’t as solid as I wanted, so I redesigned it a few times before getting it to its current state. I also initial had a backend that was four studs wide, but it looked a little goofy with the wheels being a full stud on either side of the body. That just didn’t look as I wanted, so I redesigned it a couple times until I settle on a 5 wide backend and 7 wide “deck” to enter the cab. Since the cab is still just four studs wide, it did call for the use of several jumper plates and “Apollo studs”, but the improvement was significant.

One thing I noticed about many of the front loaders I examined was they tended to have very rectangular cabs. I contemplated going with a completely rectangular shape, but the aesthetic just didn’t work for me, so I pitched back the windscreen area (though there is no windscreen) to give it a better look.

I like the size of the tires, though I wish the tires were a bit bigger and the hub was a bit smaller, but I like their width and overall height so I am leaving them, even if they don’t have that “bloat” you might normally see with a front loader like this.

Overall I am satisfied with it, though the wheels are a bit rare so I had to do a bit of searching to find four in light bluish gray in various spots of my collection.

To see more Project M, click here.

[soccerkid6]

Another excellent addition to your ongoing project. The working bucket looks like it would be fun to play with, and I like how you used paint rollers to hold the mirrors

[Brickextreme]

Nicely done! Great detail and proportions

[ZCerberus]

Thanks guys. I have determined AFOLs like castles more than front loaders, but this has been a fun project.

[1711902090]

Looks very good ! Nice moc !

[M_longer]

I like the size of the tires, though I wish the tires were a bit bigger and the hub was a bit smaller, but I like their width and overall height so I am leaving them, even if they don’t have that “bloat” you might normally see with a front loader like this.

You could use 56145/15413 wheels and tires like I did:

[catch2x2]

I really like this - and I think the tyres look great. It might sound a bit odd but it just has a "polished" look to it, like it could/should be a "proper" Lego set (I mean that as a compliment!!!)