[REVIEW] 42030 - Volvo L350F Wheel Loader

[Anio]

Later than usual, but here it is my review for this set.

I read some lines of your review, especially about the (controversial) steering mechanism.

And I see one mistake in your review : you write there is no gear (ok), and no reduction.

But this is not because there is no gear that there is no reduction.

The axis on the servo rotates by 90° in both directions, while the articulation rotates by about 30° on the left and on the right.

Liftarm links make the reduction here.

On a side note, I am surprised with your "generous" rating regarding the challenging build and the aesthetics.

[Conchas]

You're right! I was thinking strictly in terms of gear reduction but didn't formulate it very well. There is definitely a movement reduction.

I might revise that text!

As for the challenging build, I can't think in terms of ourselves but the target group. Everything is relative even for the target group.

If we think about the average reader here, probably it would be quite difficult to identify many sets which are really challenging to build. Nevertheless there is always a judgement range variance.

[skylinedan]

I would have to say this was a great build, it's fun to play with, but the steering definately needs some reworking. All in all, i,m happy with the set for what I spent and got in return.

[Henk61]

It was realy fun to build this set. I do hope somebody is making a MOD for this set like it was done with the 42009 set...

[Tommi1]

Great review! I mostly agree! I have this set and this is probably the best set of Technic ever. Many people complain about the steering and using of the servo motor. I can't agree with them. Although it is pretty jerky it is very efficient and functionality of steering is very good.

One great Scandinavian company inspired of the product of the another great Scandinavian company and we have this great set!

[MrTekneex]

Could be this "set" recommended also for a "gears lover"? :)

[Tommi1]

Could be this "set" recommended also for a "gears lover"? :)

not much

[Jim]

Nope!

You can check the pictures of the bags or the bricklink inventory

[MrTekneex]

In fact I know that this "set" is poor of gears (your review Jim is stunning, as the previous), but I'm wondering if the playability and the hugeness of this model can win this "issue"...

[jantjeuh]

I just noticed you made a slight mistake Ted: you mounted the upper LA upside-down Has no effect on the functionality though.

In fact I know that this "set" is poor of gears (your review Jim is stunning, as the previous), but I'm wondering if the playability and the hugeness of this model can win this "issue"...

The total lack of complexity is quite disappointing IMO, but the build quality, size, and playability make up for it. Plus it looks pretty good if you ignore the front end.

Edited September 20, 2014 by jantjeuh

[Carlito83]

Thanks for this review.

[MrTekneex]

At the end I could not resist and I bought it (even at a good price, € 178).

The model is superb, massive, huge, strong, imposing and very well designed. The building experience is not the best, but it is not annoying like some other set. In plus it is a fun to play with it!

In short, a "must have" set...A few gears, but put in the right place! :)

Edited October 4, 2014 by MrTekneex

[TheNextLegoDesinger]

At the end I could not resist and I bought it (even at a good price, € 178).

The model is superb, massive, huge, strong, imposing and very well designed. The building experience is not the best, but it is not annoying like some other set. In plus it is a fun to play with it!

In short, a "must have" set...A few gears, but put in the right place! :)

178 euro's is a steal in belgium it is at least 189 and in the stores 250

are the remote recievers still old models or are it already V2's

[rollermonkey]

The one I picked up this week is still V1s.

Very unusual build so far. I like it.

[MrTekneex]

178 euro's is a steal in belgium it is at least 189 and in the stores 250

are the remote recievers still old models or are it already V2's

Yeah, it was a good deal: I was hesitant to buy it, in the end I gave in and it was worth it!

Yes, the receivers are V1, but for the power required from the motors they are sufficient.

[belle3005]

My son built this today and attached the motor when the front was not at the center position. Oops!!! Now, when the Volvo is turned right, it thinks it is at center. Does anyone know how to get to the motor to reset this without tearing the entire model apart?

[aminnich]

Turn off the model, remove any gear from the servo, and turn it back on. Then put the gear back. This should work

[efferman]

Sorry, but when the steering linkage is displaced in the servo you have to dismantle it.

aminich, the steering mechanism in 42030 has no gears

[saahmad]

i think it has to be dismantled, the servo motor reset by connecting it to the battery, and then re-assemble. that will make sure there are no mistakes.

Edited December 26, 2014 by saahmad

[aminnich]

Oh, oops I did not have it in front of me. Sorry

[Paul B Technic]

Going back and reading this review now that I own this set I have to say that I agree with everything you have said, this is such an amazing machine.

[Ondra]

As time goes by, I still consider purchase of this loader.I like it, but to make it run properly it seems to make another purchases like sbrick or rechargeable battery box that skyrocket price of this set up.I dont know why designers didnt do proper controller for servo motor except controller for trains, It seems to be very shaky and not precise.This seems like major designer flaw to me.

Maybe in future they really develop something for servo motor but for this time .

[Jim]

I just noticed you made a slight mistake Ted: you mounted the upper LA upside-down Has no effect on the functionality though.

Sorry for the late response, but thanks for pointing this out. You are absolutely right.

Funny thing; today somebody posted a picture on Facebook, having made the same mistake. I guess it's easy to overlook.

I have made a remark in my review

[jorgeopesi]

I built for my daughter and I have to say that although disproportionate is tough and robust, better than I thought.

[davidmull]

Great set very happy with mine. I'm using the train remote and steering works betters.