What age is the Excavator recommended for?

This set is recommended for ages 18+.

When was the Excavator released?

Excavator was released in 1984.

Breaking News

MOC possibilities with 42213 + 42154

r/legotechnic • about 9 hours ago

Red Bull 42206 Chapter 2 engine pistons won’t move. What am I doing wrong? My

r/legotechnic • about 10 hours ago

The Fake 42056 Porsche GT3

r/legotechnic • about 17 hours ago

🏛 Technic

Set #8851

Excavator

Name: Excavator
Brand: LEGO
SKU: 8851-1

The 8851 Excavator is a classic example of early LEGO Technic ingenuity.

🏆 Best For: Ideal for LEGO fans interested in vintage Technic sets and learning about basic pneumatic systems. ⏱ 4.5 hr build 🧩 362 pcs

★★★★☆ 4.2

Fans appreciate the classic design and functional pneumatic system, though some find the set simplistic compared to modern Technic models. The rising price reflects its rarity and collector appeal.

MSRP

$46.00

Best Price

$41.40

You Save

10% OFF

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📝 Our Take

The 8851 Excavator is a classic example of early LEGO Technic ingenuity. Released in 1984, this set showcases the possibilities of pneumatic systems and geared mechanics, offering a hands-on understanding of engineering principles in a fun and engaging way.

This set is perfect for vintage Technic enthusiasts and collectors. The build provides a satisfying challenge, and the completed model boasts impressive functionality, making it a great display piece.

Skip this if you prefer modern, highly detailed Technic sets. Consider newer sets with more advanced features and higher piece counts, like the 42100 Liebherr R 9800 Excavator.

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Hi! I'm BlockTalk, your LEGO expert. Ask me anything about the Excavator - building tips, investment potential, comparisons, or anything else!

Try asking:

How does the pneumatic system in this set compare to modern Technic pneumatic systems? What are the key mechanical principles demonstrated by this excavator model? Is it worth investing in a vintage LEGO set like this, or should I focus on newer models? What are the best ways to display and preserve a vintage LEGO set?

🧱 Building Experience

🧩

362

Pieces

⏱

4.5h

Build Time

📊

Intermediate

Difficulty

Build Highlights:

Experience the functionality of the pneumatic system controlling the excavator arm.
Learn about gear ratios and mechanical linkages.
Enjoy the classic 1980s Technic building style.
Appreciate the display value of a vintage Technic model.

📈 Investment Analysis

↑ Trending up since release

A-

Investment Grade

⏳ Appreciating

The 8851 Excavator holds strong investment potential due to its age, relative rarity, and the enduring appeal of vintage LEGO Technic. As a set from 1984, it is becoming increasingly scarce in good condition, driving up its value among collectors. The set's functional pneumatic system and unique parts further contribute to its desirability. While fluctuations in the market are always possible, the trend suggests continued appreciation for well-preserved copies, especially those with original packaging and instructions. Investing in vintage LEGO always carries risk, but this set is a solid contender.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

Liebherr R 9800 Excavator

Technic • 4,108 pcs

$449.99

Compared to modern Technic excavators like the 42100 Liebherr R 9800, the 8851 Excavator is simpler in design and functionality. However, its vintage charm and historical significance make it a unique collector's item. While newer sets offer more advanced building techniques and features, the 8851 provides a nostalgic glimpse into the early days of LEGO Technic.

📦 Full Parts Inventory - 52 unique parts • 343 total pieces

Part #: 3020 1× Light Gray

Part #: 3023 4× Black

Plate 4 x 4

Part #: 3031 1× Light Gray

Plate 4 x 6

Part #: 3032 1× Red

Plate 2 x 8

Part #: 3034 2× Black

Plate 2 x 8

Part #: 3034 2× Red

Turntable 4 x 4 S...

Part #: 3403c01 1× Black

Part #: 3649 4× Light Gray

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 1× Light Gray

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 2× Red

Technic Pin witho...

Part #: 3673 4× Light Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3700 6× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3700 3× Red

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3700 1× Light Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3701 6× Red

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3701 4× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3702 2× Red

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3702 2× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3703 6× Light Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3703 2× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3703 6× Red

Technic Axle 4

Part #: 3705 6× Black

Technic Axle 6

Part #: 3706 4× Black

Technic Axle 8

Part #: 3707 2× Black

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3709 1× Red

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3709 3× Black

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 10× Red

Technic Bush

Part #: 3713 15× Light Gray

Technic Axle 10

Part #: 3737 1× Black

Technic Axle 10 T...

Part #: 3737b 1× Black

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3738 2× Black

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3738 2× Red

Technic Axle Pin ...

Part #: 3749 1× Light Gray

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 2× Black

Part #: 3873 110× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3894 4× Light Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3894 2× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3895 4× Light Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3895 2× Red

Technic Gear 16 T...

Part #: 4019 4× Light Gray

Technic Plate 1 x...

Part #: 4263 6× Light Gray

Technic Bush 1/2 ...

Part #: 4265a 1× Light Gray

Technic Pin with ...

Part #: 4459 41× Black

Pneumatic Cylinde...

Part #: 4688c01 3× Yellow

Technic Pneumatic...

Part #: 4692c01 1× Light Gray

Pneumatic T-Piece...

Part #: 4697a 1× Light Gray

Technic Axle Nut

Part #: 4698 4× Light Gray

Technic Digger Bu...

Part #: 4700 1× Yellow

Pneumatic Pump Ol...

Part #: 4701c01 1× Red

Hose, Pneumatic 4...

Part #: 5102c05 1× Black

Hose, Pneumatic 4...

Part #: 5102c05 7× Light Gray

Hose, Pneumatic 4...

Part #: 5102c07.5 1× Light Gray

Hose, Pneumatic 4...

Part #: 5102c10 2× Light Gray

Hose, Pneumatic 4...

Part #: 5102c15 1× Black

Hose, Pneumatic 4...

Part #: 5102c30 1× Black

Hose, Pneumatic 4...

Part #: 5102c50 1× Black

Rubber Band Mediu...

Part #: 70012 2× Black

Pneumatic Switch ...

Part #: 75215 3× Light Gray

This set contains a good quantity of black Technic Link Treads useful for building tracked vehicles. The pneumatic hoses are also valuable for adding functional elements to MOCs.

Community Insights

Real opinions from Reddit and YouTube

What Reddit Says

No Reddit discussions found for this set.

What YouTubers Say

1 video found

BlockTalk AI

Bricks Nostalgia offers a detailed review of the LEGO Technic 8851 Excavator, praising its pneumatic functions and unique components. The reviewer highlights the challenges of restoring the pneumatic system in this vintage 1984 set, also demonstrating a motorized modification.

How To Fix The Pneumatic System Of A Lego Technic Set

Bricks Nostalgia • 44.0K views Review

What the Community Says

1 YouTube reviews

BlockTalk AI Summary

Reddit Reviews

No Reddit reviews found

YouTube Reviews

1 video

How To Fix The Pneumatic System Of A Lego Technic Set

Bricks Nostalgia

44.0K views Review

Community Content: These reviews are from Reddit and YouTube users sharing their personal experiences. Opinions may vary.

Inventory Statistics

Unique Parts

343

Total Pieces

Minifigures

Inventory Version: 1

Vintage Technic Power!
The 1984 Excavator is ready to dig in!

MOC possibilities with 42213 + 42154

Red Bull 42206 Chapter 2 engine pistons won’t move. What am I doing wrong? My

The Fake 42056 Porsche GT3

Excavator

📝 Our Take

Ask BlockTalk about this set

🧱 Building Experience

📈 Investment Analysis

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

📦 Full Parts Inventory - 52 unique parts • 343 total pieces

🛒 Where to Buy

💎 Notable Parts

💡 MOC Potential

📰 Technic News

MOC possibilities with 42213 + 42154

Red Bull 42206 Chapter 2 engine pistons won’t move. What am I doing...

The Fake 42056 Porsche GT3

Excavator News (15)

MOC possibilities with 42213 + 42154

Red Bull 42206 Chapter 2 engine pistons won’t move. What am I doing wrong? My

The Fake 42056 Porsche GT3

What are some fun Technic sets from the 2010s and before? With a focus on fun...

Is there a trick with the RB20 ‘s back (42206)

Here is my modification of the Technic 42039 set. This is a Toyota GT-One TS0...

LEGO Restaurants of the World: Mexico (40907) GWP Now Live on LEGO Shop

Anybody excited for this?

Community Insights

What Reddit Says

What YouTubers Say

What the Community Says

Reddit Reviews

YouTube Reviews

Inventory Statistics

Vintage Technic Power!The 1984 Excavator is ready to dig in!

MOC possibilities with 42213 + 42154

Red Bull 42206 Chapter 2 engine pistons won’t move. What am I doing wrong? My

The Fake 42056 Porsche GT3

Excavator

📝 Our Take

Ask BlockTalk about this set

🧱 Building Experience

📈 Investment Analysis

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

📦 Full Parts Inventory - 52 unique parts • 343 total pieces

🛒 Where to Buy

💎 Notable Parts

💡 MOC Potential

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📰 Technic News

MOC possibilities with 42213 + 42154

Red Bull 42206 Chapter 2 engine pistons won’t move. What am I doing...

The Fake 42056 Porsche GT3

Excavator News (15)

MOC possibilities with 42213 + 42154

Red Bull 42206 Chapter 2 engine pistons won’t move. What am I doing wrong? My

The Fake 42056 Porsche GT3

What are some fun Technic sets from the 2010s and before? With a focus on fun...

Is there a trick with the RB20 ‘s back (42206)

Here is my modification of the Technic 42039 set. This is a Toyota GT-One TS0...

LEGO Restaurants of the World: Mexico (40907) GWP Now Live on LEGO Shop

Anybody excited for this?

Community Insights

What Reddit Says

What YouTubers Say

What the Community Says

Reddit Reviews

YouTube Reviews

Inventory Statistics

We value your privacy

Vintage Technic Power!
The 1984 Excavator is ready to dig in!