Between those three, i think i like backhoe better. 8069 is such a good set for it's size, and it has some great play value.

I think the flatbed truck and the backhoe are both must-haves, the exreme cruiser ist a nice display model but its functions are kind of weak compared to the other two models. I have all three, but the flatbed ist my favorite!

fitzi

I have all 3, but I would get them in this order:

• 8109 Flatbed Truck - more expensive, but a great set with some interesting mechanisms.
  
• 8069 Backhoe Loader - has the new mini linear actuators, but not as good as the pneumatic backhoe loader from 2003 IMHO (set 8455).
  
• 8081 Extreme Cruiser - looks good, and is fun to play with and mod, but only a few gears and no advanced mechanisms (just steering, suspension, and a differential to drive the fake engine).
  

Thanks for the feedback! I think I'll get the flatbed if it's in the store. If not, I'll go with the backhoe. Or I might just buy whatever the heck pops up and looks good... When I have cash, I tend to make random purchases!

I like the 8069 out of those three although I also have the 8109. The 8069 packs a lot of nice detail and mechanical functions into a tight space - very well designed for the money.

Which is better? The 8110 Unimog, the 8421 Mobile Crane, or the 8285 Tow Truck? Lets say they were all $200.

Unimog is the best, for me.

It is the most complete and functional set, big and best looking.

Since you did not specify what are you especting from a set, I recommend to take detailed look at the reviews of these three sets.

Unimog is the best, for me.

It is the most complete and functional set, big and best looking.

Since you did not specify what are you especting from a set, I recommend to take detailed look at the reviews of these three sets.

Thanks, I think that will be the one, but do you think another one of those sets, 8285 or 8421, might be worth it in the future?

I think 8110 is the best because it have a lot of pieces, suspensions, pneumatcs, cool tires, ..., although i have 8285 :)

Thanks, I think that will be the one, but do you think another one of those sets, 8285 or 8421, might be worth it in the future?

Between the 8285 Lego Technic Tow Truck and the 8421 Mobile Crane, I believe that the 8421 would be a better, long-term value.

Edited March 6, 201212 yr by DLuders

I would say 8421 before they are too hard to come by. There is plenty of time to get a Unimog. I don't know much about the other one.

8421 is already too difficult to buy from used market.

8110 is best, then 8421.

I would definitely recommend an UNIMOG! I've recently bought it. It has 2048 pieces, new tires, new suspension parts and a lot of panels. But it also depends of what you want to build in the future. If you want to buy for example cars or trucks - go UNIMOG or Tow Truck. If you like building machines more, then go Crane. Also, the Tow Truck and Crane are very difficult to find, i would say rare now.

Barti

I bought a Uni-mog about a month ago, and just ordered another one. The new elements are very cool, my plan is to use a lot of the new stuff to build a newer version of the 8421, with the amount of Lego,s I currently have, I should be able to come up with an interesting model. I also bought another excavator for more parts, LOL.

Dan

For now go for the 8421, because like a few other people said, its getting more and more rare everyday. I bought mine new two years ago and even then it cost a pretty penny.

I also own the 8285, its ok.

Both 8421 and 8285 offer a ton of parts to use for your own MOCs

You could also just get the parts off of bricklink for the older 8421 and 8285, and download the instructions from brickset and build your own...

I have no experience with the 8110 but it looks great, though there isnt a ton of orange pieces to use on your own MOC if you choose to dismantle it...

any particular reason why you posted 8285 instead of 8258?

I actually own all three (4 if you include 8258)

8421 was my first big set, and it was absolutely amazing when I first got it. It is a really good set, both with functions (motorized as well as pneumatic) and appearance.

8285 also has pneumatics (all three you listed have pneumatics. If this is one of the reasons, this one is the worst!) it is a pretty good set, very large! I would rate it lowest out of the flagships I own though. the new logging truck (9397) probably has just as many functions. This one is pretty good as a parts set if you can get it cheap.

8110 Unimog, you should still be able to get any way. it is a really great set, the wheels are HUGE! It is a good all rounder, pneumatics, motorized functions, suspension, and Orange.

Unimog is definitely the best, but there is no doubt that the mobile crane is far superior to the tow truck.

I would say get the mobile crane if you can, since the unimog is still available.

Unimog has been the most fun building implements for. Really depends on what you want to get out of those 3 sets.

Out of these 3, my choice would be Unimog. It is still available in shops.

8110 is best, then 8421, I really don't like the tow truck.

You could also just get the parts off of bricklink for the older 8421 and 8285, and download the instructions from brickset and build your own... [/quote

This was my original plan, it sounds good.

Unimog has been the most fun building implements for. Really depends on what you want to get out of those 3 sets.

Thanks for all your help, I am wanting the one with the most pneumatics, most functions, and the most "playability" as well as having lots of parts for trucks or

whatever MOC's I want to build. Which set does these things describe?

@ Porty: This one:

My opinions! (I own them all.)

8285 I bought mine for parts and it's the biggest Technic set that I did that with. It's good for that. As a model it's weak; side on it's very see-though and many of the functions seem very tacked on. I suspect they planned to make it a higher price point but changed their mind. Even so, in proportionals it's quite accurate. The functions that it includes though are well done and it's a mechanical monstrosity. I recommend this cheap only and for parts.

8421 Very cool and part dense set. As I've said elsewhere the pneumatics are too weak, but it's more of a functional representation. The steering is very good and the three segment boom is still unique. I recommend this one as an investment of for raw cool power!

8110 Functionally possibly the best Technic model ever. Very well designed compact compressor, transmission, four wheel drive (with center diff) accurate suspension, wonderful looks.... I can go on. For playability this is the best bet. Buy one... or win one!

Bonus!

8258 This is the ultimate mechanical monstrosity that TLG have ever made. Amazing gearbox, decently realistic stabilizers and four wheel steering. I bought mine for parts.... and it's still together.

Extra Bonus!

I'm merging this topic...

My opinions! (I own them all.)

8285 I bought mine for parts and it's the biggest Technic set that I did that with. It's good for that. As a model it's weak; side on it's very see-though and many of the functions seem very tacked on. I suspect they planned to make it a higher price point but changed their mind. Even so, in proportionals it's quite accurate. The functions that it includes though are well done and it's a mechanical monstrosity. I recommend this cheap only and for parts.

8421 Very cool and part dense set. As I've said elsewhere the pneumatics are too weak, but it's more of a functional representation. The steering is very good and the three segment boom is still unique. I recommend this one as an investment of for raw cool power!

8110 Functionally possibly the best Technic model ever. Very well designed compact compressor, transmission, four wheel drive (with center diff) accurate suspension, wonderful looks.... I can go on. For playability this is the best bet. Buy one... or win one!

Bonus!

8258 This is the ultimate mechanical monstrosity that TLG have ever made. Amazing gearbox, decently realistic stabilizers and four wheel steering. I bought mine for parts.... and it's still together.

Extra Bonus!

I'm merging this topic...

Okay, does the unimog have the most pneumatic parts?

Okay, does the unimog have the most pneumatic parts?

Yes

2 large pneumatic cylinders

1 small pneumatic cylinder

4 switches

1 New pneumatic pump

Plenty of pneumatic hose

2 of those new blue hose and axle connectors

But only 4 tires... and limited orange parts supply...

Like i said before, the unimog is new, it will be around for a while, and might get cheaper

The mobile crane is old, and is only getting more expensive. If you want it, get it now... It has more pneumatics than the tow truck..

Edited March 7, 201212 yr by manbearpig