LEGO 8455 Back-Hoe Excavator

The set makes extensive use of LEGO® Technic pneumatics, with a total of 10 pneumatic cylinders. These drive the front loader, the backhoe and the stabilizers using a pneumatic circuit made of tubes that is divided into black and light gray colors and must be cut to length. Air travels through valves and tubing connecting from the pumps to the cylinders. The set also includes a yellow trunk; this is the only set in which this element appears in a color other than black. The rear tires first appeared in this set and would subsequently appear in the 2005 Racers set 8651 Jumping Giant, of which four are included. Furthermore, no new or unique parts are shown.

The main model closely resembles the movements of a real backhoe loader - using the pneumatics, the excavator arm can rotate, yaw and move the bucket. Due to the number of cylinders used, the model is powered by two air pumps instead of the usual one; however, an air tank is not included. The backhoe also has an inline 3-cylinder engine with moving pistons and a shuttle steering for the front wheels operated by a button on top of the cab. When mounting the backhoe, the wheels are installed before the vehicle is finished, a rare move for a TECHNIC kit.

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