LEGO 8043 Motorized Excavator

LEGO® Technic 8043 Self-propelled Excavator is a TECHNIC-themed set released in 2010. The set contains 1123 parts and is fully remote-controlled using four medium-sized Power Functions motors in a 2x3+1 control box.

It has six functions:

• Drive forward/reverse
• Turn left right
• Turning superstructure
• Articulated arm
• Articulated dipper
• Articulated bucket.

It can be converted into a track loader/bulldozer, which can also be controlled remotely.

Product problems
During its release, it was reported that the set did not have an excavator arm strong enough to lift the excavator's boom. This was because the piece was experiencing tension. LEGO has since offered a full refund or Shop@Home credit. They also offered to send a more efficient replacement part. People who bought the set have been given a £10.00 store credit.

Since then, a service package has been released and sent to owners of the powered excavator. The package includes 4 new linear actuators, 2 blue shaft pins, 1 3M shaft with stop and 1 shaft and pin connector perpendicular 3L with center pin hole. There are also updated steps 33 and 36, where the parts (excluding the LAs) are included.

This set contains the most mechanical actuators in a set to date, namely four.
This set has the most Power Functions in a set so far, nine in total.
This is the second TECHNIC set that can be fully remote controlled with Power Functions; the first is 8275 self-propelled bulldozer.
One of the final color testing prototypes was in orange instead of yellow, but yellow was chosen for the production set. [source?]
This set was discontinued to make way for 42006 Crawler Excavators.
LEGO.com Description
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Build it and dig in!

No dirty job is too big for this heavy duty motorized excavator! Simply flick a switch on the LEGO® Power Functions dual infrared remote control to drive the excavator to job sites, rotate the cab 360 degrees, maneuver the articulated arm and dig with the shovel. Download instructions for converting to a track loader.

• LEGO Power Functions include two infrared remote controls, 4 motors, 2 receivers, 4 linear actuators and a battery box.
  
• Four motorized functions: Move! To dig! Play! Lift!
• The deep shovel bucket is equipped with strong digging claws!
• 2-in-1 model converts to a track loader
• The excavator is more than 45 cm long