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Crane Sets
Crane Comparisons

Cranes


1    2

3
(8258 to be added)

Cranes have been a very popular subject with Technic.  Most have been mobile cranes of one type or another, with a couple of static cranes as well.  In addition to the cranes shown here, several other Universal Sets offer a crane as one of the possible models.  Two of the Universal Set cranes are shown here, those that I deemed worthy.

Crane have typically been among the largest and most complex of Technic models.  All feature luffing booms of one type or another, and many also telescope.  Virtually all feature cable drums and sheaves.  A few are even attached to trucks which are very functional in their own right.

8421 is by far the most complicated, but on a smaller budget 8288 and 8854 are also excellent.

 

Sets

855/955 Mobile Crane
iso
8054 Motorized Universal Building Set
8054
8074 Universal Building Set
iso

8258 Crane Truck
8258
8270 Rough Terrain Crane
iso
8288 Crawler Crane
iso
8421 Mobile Crane
iso
8436 Truck
iso
 8460/8431/8438 Pneumatic Crane Truck
iso
8854 Power Crane
iso
8292 Cherry Picker
8292
8446 Crane Truck
8446
 

Feature Comparison

Set
Mobility
Steering
Boom
Slewing
Hoist
Outriggers
Engine
855
4 wheels, 2 axles
No
Rack gear driven luffing and telescoping via crank and ratchet
360° manual on 4x4 turntable Crank driven
Manual at four corners
No
8054
4 wheels, 2 axles
No
Worm driven luffing via crank
360° gear driven on axle
Motorized
No
No
8074
Stationary
No
Gear driven luffing and jib rotation via cranks and flex system
360° gear driven on turntable Crank driven
No
No
8258
8 wheels, 4 axles
4 wheel rack and pinion
Motorized luffing and folding, manual telescoping
360° motor driven on turntable Crank driven via ratchet Motorized at four corners, manual snap over center
V-8 driven by rear wheels
8270
4 wheels, 2 axles
No
Worm driven luffing via crank, manual telescoping 360° manual on axle pin Crank driven
Front and real manual snap over center
No
8288
Treads
No
Cable driven luffing via ratchet
360° manual on turntable Crank driven via ratchet
No
No
8421 8 wheels, 4 axles with differential on 3rd axle
6 wheel rack and pinion
Pneumatic luffing, motorized double telescoping
360° manual on turntable Motorized
Gear driven at four corners snap over center
V-6 driven by 3rd axle
8436 6 wheel, 2 axles with differential on rear
Front wheel rack and pinion
Pneumatic folding on 2 arms, manual telescoping
300° gear driven on turntable, limited by pneumatics No
No
V-6 driven by rear wheels
8460 6 wheels, 3 axles
4 wheel rack and pinion
Pneumatic luffing, gear driven telescoping via crank
360° gear driven on turntable Crank driven via ratchet
Gear driven at four corners snap over center No
8854 4 wheel, 2 axles
Front wheel rack and pinion
Pneumatic luffing, gear driven telescoping via crank
180° gear driven on 4x4 turntable, limited by pneumatics Crank driven via ratchet Gear driven at rear corners snap over center
No
8292
6 wheels, 3 axles
Front wheel rack and pinion
Motorized articulated basket lift, manual telescoping
360° motor driven on turntable
No
No
No


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