LEGO Technic 42177 MOD – Lift and Carry Hook Attachment

 

2025 – My LEGO Technic Year in Review

As 2025 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to look back at a massive year of building, modding, experimenting, and expanding what’s possible with LEGO Technic. Despite a slow start, the year turned into one of the most creative and productive periods of my Technic journey.

A Slow Start – But Worth It

Just like in 2024, the first few months of 2025 were quiet.

Family life, commitments, and everything else demanded my attention, so Technic projects paused for a while. But that break actually helped reset my focus, and when I returned, I came back with far more clarity and direction for what I wanted to build.

Quality Over Quantity

Across the whole year, I built 14 models, but this time, it wasn’t about churning out builds.

Only 4 were built as “A-models.”

The rest were C-models or full MOCs, crafted from the parts of sets I already owned.

More than ever, I found myself looking at new Technic sets not as finished products, but as platforms, raw material with potential. What they could become mattered more than what the box showed. This shift shaped everything I built in 2025.

Pushing the Limits of 42177

The Mercedes-Benz G 500 (42177) became the backbone of my Technic projects this year. What started as a standard set evolved into a completely re-engineered platform with interchangeable rear attachments, a redesigned tray, and a fully functional PTO system.

The rear PTO, added retrospectively, became the heart of the system and unlocked endless attachment ideas.

I designed multiple rear-mounted modules, including the G-Class Ute conversion, a new tray layout, and various snap-on functional units.

One of the highlights was the Rubbish Loader Attachment, driven by a small linear actuator via the PTO, complete with a purpose-built loading ramp to keep the load contained. A simple concept, but one that dramatically increased functionality and play value.

42177 wasn’t just a model this year, it was a platform for innovation.

Non-LEGO Brands – Some Hits, Some Misses

2025 also saw me explore a few non-Lego brands.

Results were mixed: some offered interesting parts or fresh building styles, while others didn’t meet the quality, clutch power, or durability I expect for Technic builds. Still, it was a worthwhile experiment that gave me a better understanding of what’s out there beyond LEGO.

TechBuildDB – A Huge Step Forward

Another major milestone was the development of TechBuildDB, my custom tool for managing MOCs, attachments, notes, and design logs.

What started as a basic idea evolved throughout the year into a proper web app with features like:

Record creation and editing

Photo uploads

JSON export

Indexed navigation

A cleaner UI designed specifically for Technic workflows

It’s becoming an essential tool for planning and managing my builds, and it will only get better in 2026.

A Shift in Design Philosophy

Somewhere along the way, I realised my whole approach to Technic had changed.

Rather than building display models, I focused on:

Designing platforms

Creating attachment ecosystems

Prioritising functionality over aesthetics

Building mechanisms inspired by real machines

Ensuring everything was modular, durable, and easy to swap

This mindset gave me far more creative freedom, and it made 2025 one of my most rewarding Technic years yet.

A Milestone: My 200th Blog Post

This post marks a big moment, my 200th blog entry on PaulB Technic.

There’s no better way to celebrate that milestone than with a full-year reflection on everything I’ve built, learned, and experimented with.

It feels like the perfect way to round out the year.

Looking Ahead to 2026

If 2025 was about building foundations and exploring new ideas, 2026 will be about expansion.

Plans include:

More attachments for the G-Class platform

A second-generation PTO system

Possibly an all-new base vehicle

Further development of TechBuildDB

And diving deeper into new Technic mechanisms and building styles

2025 has been a year of growth, not just in models, but in creativity, mindset, and engineering.

Here’s to an even bigger, more innovative 2026!

Early MOC / MOD: LEGO Technic 9395 B Model MOD - Wheelie Bin Truck with Power Functions

 

Early MOC / MOD: LEGO Technic 8043 Loading Claw Video

 

LEGO Technic 42177 MOD – Rubbish Loader Attachment

One of the most enjoyable parts of working with my LEGO Technic 42177 MOC Ute, is discovering just how versatile the platform can be when you start adding custom attachments. My latest upgrade is a Rubbish Loader Attachment that connects neatly to the rear of the ute and adds a surprising amount of function, character, and play value to the model.

This attachment is driven by the rear PTO, which powers a small Linear Actuator responsible for lifting the loading arm. It’s a simple yet effective mechanical setup that feels right at home on this MOC, smooth, controlled, and fully mechanical.

Powered Lift via Rear PTO

The core of the system is the compact LA mounted in the center of the attachment. The rear PTO transfers rotation from the truck’s side-mounted grey control to the actuator, giving you a fully functional lifting mechanism. This makes the rubbish loader feel consistent with the rest of the Technic ethos: realistic motion, mechanical authenticity, and solid feedback during operation.

Smart Loading Ramp Design

A key feature is the loading ramp, designed to keep the rubbish load stable while lifting. The geometry of the red and yellow arm ensures the bin or payload stays in place as the mechanism raises. No slipping, no bouncing, just clean, controlled motion. It also makes the attachment surprisingly practical in play, as you can actually scoop, lift, and tip various items.

A New Level of Playability

With this attachment, the 42177 MOC Ute gains yet another functional layer. It sits securely on the rear mount, uses the existing PTO system, and feels like a natural piece of equipment your Technic utility truck would realistically use.

Most importantly, it adds fun. Kids (and adults) can now drive up to a pile of parts, scoop them up, lift them into the tray, and repeat. It turns the ute into a multi-purpose workhorse, and complements the other attachments I have already built.

Conclusion

The Rubbish Loader is a small but meaningful upgrade that shows just how adaptable the 42177 MOC Ute platform can become with a little creativity. By integrating clean mechanics, practical function, and a playful design, this attachment strengthens the model’s identity as a true modular utility vehicle.

WebApp - TechBuildDB

TechBuildDB - The Ultimate LEGO MOC Management Tool

If you’re serious about LEGO Technic building, you know the struggle: hundreds of parts, dozens of builds, and a constant flood of ideas. Keeping track of which builds are still “in research,” which are mid-design, and which are fully built can become overwhelming. That’s where TechBuildDB comes in.

What is TechBuildDB?

TechBuildDB is a lightweight, easy-to-use database and management tool designed for LEGO Technic enthusiasts. When  you’re building custom MOCs (My Own Creations), TechBuildDB lets you organize, track, and plan your builds in one central place.

Key Features

1. Detailed Build Records
   Every MOC has its own record with fields for:

   • Name of the build

   • Date created or last modified

   • Status (Research, Design, Build, Improvement, Published)

   • Power Functions included

   • Pneumatics or other specialized components

2. Status Tracking
   Knowing the progress of your builds is easy. Filter or sort by status to see which builds are complete, which need improvement, or which are just ideas.

3. Search and List Views
   Quickly find any build in your database, even if you have dozens or hundreds. TechBuildDB makes it easy to search by name, component, or status.

4. Photo Uploads
   Capture your builds with photos, plus take photos for ideas when out and about. Keep before-and-after images or multiple angles for reference.

5. Cross-Device Access
   Since TechBuildDB runs in a web-based interface, you can access your database from a computer, tablet, or even your phone. This is perfect if you’re constantly building in different locations.

6. Export and Backup
   Export your entire database as a JSON file to save your work, share with friends, or import into other tools.

Why TechBuildDB is a Game-Changer

For LEGO Technic enthusiasts, organization is just as important as creativity. Many builders find themselves losing track of parts, forgetting ideas, or struggling to remember which builds still need work. TechBuildDB solves this by putting everything in one easy-to-navigate place.

Whether you’re a casual builder who likes to tinker on weekends or a dedicated Technic hobbyist pushing complex MOCs, TechBuildDB streamlines your workflow so you can focus on what really matters: building amazing creations.

Getting Started

Setting up TechBuildDB is simple. You can start by creating your first build record in minutes. Add a name, select a status, and optionally upload a photo. From there, the database grows with your ideas and creations, helping you stay organized and inspired.

Download Here

LEGO Technic 42177 MOC – G-Class Ute Update (December 2025)

Over the past few weeks I’ve been refining my LEGO Technic 42177 G-Class Ute MOC, pushing it even further into the role of a true multi-purpose workhorse. December has brought two major upgrades that significantly improve both the look and the playability of the model: the removal of the tray sides, and the addition of a fully functional rear PTO.

Tray Sides Removed – More Space, More Possibilities

One of the first changes this month was removing the tray sides. It might sound simple, but it dramatically changes what the G-Class Ute can do.

Without the tray sides: Larger attachments can now be mounted without hitting the panels.

Attachment swapping is far easier, no twisting or angling pieces just to make things fit.

The ute has a more realistic utility look, with an open work tray that suits a modular equipment system.

This change alone opened the door to more ambitious rear-mounted tools and accessories… which leads to the biggest upgrade.

Rear PTO Added – A Game-Changing Upgrade

The most significant improvement is the addition of a rear Power Take-Off (PTO), driven by a grey knob on the left side of the vehicle. Turning this knob powers a red rear PTO output ready to drive mechanical attachments.

This feature wasn’t in the original plan. In fact, it was added retrospectively, after the ute had already been heavily modified a few weeks ago, making the process more challenging.

Because so much of the rear section had already been redesigned, several components no longer lined up with where the PTO needed to run. That meant:

- Multiple attempts to align both the input and output shafts

- Reworking bracing and support so the mechanism remained strong

- Adjusting the aesthetics so the PTO didn’t stand out or look bolted-on

It took a lot of trial and error, but the end result is worth every minute spent on it.

The new rear PTO has transformed the model. It turns the G-Class Ute into a proper modular machine, more like a scaled-down Unimog, with the capacity to run mechanical tools straight from the vehicle.

I already have several new PTO-driven attachments planned. Even better, I’m intending to revisit some of my older attachments and redesign them so they can make use of the new PTO connection.

With the tray now fully open and the PTO functional, December’s update sets the stage for a whole new wave of attachments. Expect more detailed designs in the coming months, each taking advantage of this new capability.

The 42177 G-Class Ute continues to evolve, and this update marks one of the most significant improvements so far. More power, better modularity, and increased play value… exactly what a Technic MOC should deliver.

Lego Technic Build and Storage - December 2025

 

Video - The Future of Lego Technic

I have created a video, on my views on the future of Lego Technic.

LEGO Technic 42209 C Model - Mod - Loader Claw

Recently I have built a C model of LEGO Technic set 42209, this is a backhoe. After using this for a few days, I found the rear bucket was not that great, I have I have replaced it with a loading claw. This needed a few parts to be changed.

The video below shows this in use 

LEGO Technic 42177 MOD – Rural Road Drain Cleaning Attachment

The Mercedes G Class Ute built from LEGO Technic set 42177 has quickly become my favourite platform for modular attachments. With the rear tray-mount system now well-established, using the same two fold-up connection points across all my accessories, it’s become incredibly easy to design and swap functionality on the fly. Today, I’m showcasing the newest attachment in the lineup: the Rural Road Drain Cleaning Attachment.

Why a Drain Cleaner?

Living in rural areas, drains and culverts are always filling with debris, leaves, sticks, gravel, and whatever else washes down in a storm. Real-world council trucks often have dedicated jetting or scoop tools for clearing roadside drains, so creating a Technic-scale version felt like the perfect next step for the 42177 G Class Ute.

Plus, this attachment brings a whole new kind of mechanical interaction to the model, something practical, functional, and very satisfying to operate.

Attachment Overview

Just like the existing implements, the drain cleaner locks securely onto the tray via the fold-up twin point connection system. It installs in seconds.

When folded down for operation, the attachment extends over the side of the ute and places the cleaning head right where you’d expect a drain to sit.

1H 2026 Lego Technic Sets Photos

 42226

42227

42225

42223

Lego Technic 42177 MOD - Mercedes G Class Ute - Rear Plough Attachment

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been steadily expanding my custom ecosystem of attachments for my LEGO Technic 42177 MOD Mercedes G Class Ute, a C-model / Mod, derived from the Mercedes G Wagon set. The tray-mounted connection system has proven incredibly versatile, and today I’m excited to share the latest addition: the Rear Mount Plough Attachment.

This attachment follows the same design philosophy as my previous builds, compact, functional, and fully compatible with the two fold-up mounting points integrated into the ute’s tray. It slots in cleanly, deploys smoothly, and adds a rugged new capability to the vehicle’s growing lineup of field tools.

Design & Concept

The rear plough is inspired by agricultural and off-road recovery ploughs. The idea was to create something that looks purposeful behind the G Class Ute while still being mechanically simple enough to build and sturdy enough to function during play.

Key features include:

Folding Mechanism

Just like the other attachments in the series, the plough folds up for transport and down for operation. When stowed, it sits neatly against the rear of the tray without interfering with suspension articulation or steering.

Dual-Mount Compatibility

The attachment uses the now-standard two fold-up connection points on the tray. This means it can be swapped in seconds with any of my other accessories—no rebuilding required.

Manual Actuation

A simple lever/beam linkage allows the plough to be lowered into position. The mechanism locks in place so the blade doesn’t flop around while driving.

The Mercedes G Class Ute MOD has become a surprisingly capable platform for modular tools. Its tray offers stability, its scale is just right for functional attachments, and its rugged look works well with equipment like drills, cherry pickers, and now ploughs.

This attachment was designed to:

Keep weight balanced

Preserve full suspension travel

Avoid interference with the rear bumper or lights

Maintain the overall clean aesthetic of the ute

The final result is an attachment that looks like it belongs on the model rather than an add-on.

Play & Display Value

Whether you’re ploughing through imaginary soil, clearing a miniature access track, or lining it up for a photo shoot, this attachment adds another layer of realism and versatility to the G Class Ute.

For display, the plough in its upright transport position gives the truck a purposeful expedition look. For play, lowering it brings a whole new dynamic to the rear of the model.

Review - LEGO Technic 42209 B Model - Backhoe By Kilmarnock

I think the Backhoe Loader B-model of Lego Technic set 42209, by “klimax” is a fantastic build, it is smart, efficient, and fun. It delivers a lot of what makes Technic great: real mechanical functions, clever reuse of parts, and a tangible sense of “engineering”. While it’s not as grand or heavy as the original 42209 loader, it doesn’t try to be; instead, it trades size for versatility and ingenuity.

If you own the 42209 set (or are considering it) and enjoy tinkering with alternate builds, this MOC is absolutely worth the time to build. It offers a different experience from the official model, more compact, but still functional and rewarding. Please see my video below.

LEGO Technic 42177 MOD – Mercedes G Class Ute - Cherry Picker Attachment

I have recently been working on my latest attachment for my LEGO Technic 42177 Mod Mercedes G Class Ute, this is a cherry picker.

It has two features:
- The black gear controls the lifting and lowering of the cherry picker arm.
- The red connector controls the rotation of the turntable.

Update - 9/12/2025:

Following some other changes to my 42177 Mod Ute, I have now modified this to use my new rear PTO output, to rotate the turn table, video is below.

LEGO Technic 42177 MOD – Mercedes G Class Ute - Towing Attachment MK2

Since the last post, I’ve made a number of substantial improvements to the G-Class Ute mod, particularly around the lifting module. Here’s what’s new:

1. Swapped to Pneumatics
   I replaced the earlier small linear actuator (LAs) with a full pneumatic system. The pneumatic cylinders now deliver a much stronger, smoother motion, giving the lift better stability under load and more realistic behaviour. This change dramatically increases the lifting strength and eliminates some of the flex and lag I was seeing with the LAs.

2. Revised Mounting Points
   To accommodate the new cylinders, I re-engineered the mounting structure at the rear of the tray. The new mounting brackets are more robust, and they better distribute the load into the reinforced chassis. This has reduced unwanted flex and made the attachment more rigid when lifting and lowering.

3. Redesigned Forks & Connectors
   The forks on the lifting module have been updated and redesigned, using stronger beams and more efficient connector geometry. I swapped in more Technic connectors that can better handle the bending forces. The result: better lifting capacity, less sag, and greater reliability when carrying heavier weights or awkward loads.

4. Improved Lifting Capacity & Stability
   With the pneumatic upgrade and restructured forks, the lift can now handle significantly more weight without bottoming out or slipping. The entire lifting module feels more “locked in”, even at full extension the system remains stable and controlled, rather than wobbling or drooping.

5. Performance in Action
   In practical testing, the pneumatic lift now delivers a much more satisfying “rise/fall” feel. It’s responsive, doesn't lose pressure mid-lift, and holds position very well once raised. When lowering, the motion is controllable and smooth.

LEGO Technic 42177 MOD – Mercedes G Class Ute - Drill Rig Attachment

Following the towing module, my Mercedes G Class Ute (a MOD / C-model based on LEGO Technic set 42177) now has its second functional attachment: a compact and fully operational Drill Rig. This one adds a whole new capability to the ute and was a fun challenge to design.

Universal Mounting System:

Just like the towing attachment, the drill rig connects using the two fold-up mounting points built into the tray. These points are quickly becoming the standard interface for all future add-ons, making it easy to swap attachments depending on the job.

Designed to Fold for Use and Transport:

The entire drill rig is built to fold down into position when drilling, and fold back up for transport, keeping the ute looking clean and tidy while driving. The mechanism is simple but effective, and it locks into place nicely in both orientations.

Functional Features: 

Despite only taking a few hours to design, this attachment is surprisingly capable:

• Rotating Drill Head: A side-mounted wheel at the top of the rig allows you to spin the drill manually. It has a satisfying feel, and the gearing gives it a smooth, realistic drilling motion.

• Adjustable Drilling Height: The drilling head moves up and down as required, letting the rig simulate drilling different depths. It adds a great bit of playability and makes the attachment feel like a real working tool.

Build Time: 

The complete design and build took 3.5 hours, making this a quicker project than the towing attachment but still packed with functionality.

Final Thoughts: 

This drill rig feels like a natural next step in expanding the G Class Ute’s versatility. With two attachments now complete, I’m already planning more tools and equipment for the mounting system.

LEGO Technic 42177 MOD – Mercedes G Class Ute - Towing Attachment

The Mercedes G Class Ute project, my MOD / C-Model based on LEGO Technic set 42177, has officially received its first functional attachment, a purpose-built towing module. This add-on transforms the ute into a capable little workhorse, perfect for hauling other models around.

Designed to Integrate Seamlessly

The towing attachment connects securely to the tray using two fold-up mounting points built directly into the ute’s design. These points were planned early in the build, making this attachment the first test of the system. I’m happy to say it works exactly the way I hoped, strong, tight, and easy to connect or remove.

Two Practical Functions

Despite its compact size, the attachment includes two fully functional mechanisms:

1. Tow Winch with Locking Feature

A manually operated tow winch sits at the heart of the attachment. It includes a simple but reliable locking mechanism to hold tension once the vehicle being towed is secured. This keeps everything steady during movement.

2. Drop-Down Towing Arms

The towing arms fold down into position when needed, providing a stable support for the vehicle being towed. When not in use, they fold neatly back up, keeping the ute’s rear clear for normal driving. This feature alone adds a lot of versatility and realism to the setup.

Build Time & Process

All up, the design and build took around six hours. Most of that time went into getting the fold-up mounting points and the winch mechanism to feel smooth and reliable. Once the geometry was right, the rest fell into place naturally.

In Action

The photos below show the towing attachment in use, hauling my Ford Raptor Technic model. The combination looks great and performs just as well—exactly the sort of functional add-on I wanted for the G Class Ute project.

LEGO Technic 42177 — MOD / C Model to Mercedes G Class Ute

I’ve been wanting to convert the LEGO Technic set 42177 into a proper G-Class style Ute for a while. This mod combines structural tweaking, custom Technic frame work, and a completely new tray build. Below is the full progress log, including the hours spent and step-by-step development.

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Initial Pull-Down (1 Hour)

The first step was a complete teardown of the rear of the donor 42177 model cabin. Panels, rear cab and rear section, and decorative elements all came off so I could work with the bare Technic chassis at the rear.

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Sorting the Parts (30 Minutes)

With everything disassembled, I sorted all beams, connectors, panels, gears, and pins. This helped massively during the rebuild phase, especially for the custom tray and frame work to support this.

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Cabin Fixes: Rear Door Frame & Roof (1 Hour)

Before moving to the tray, I fixed a few structural quirks in the cab.

• Reinforced the rear door frame with various connectors, for better rigidity and to give the front doors something to close against.

• Strengthened the cabin roof to prevent flexing and to prepare for the new sports bar later on.

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Chassis Reinforcement + Tray Design & Build (15 Hours)

This was the biggest part of the mod.

Chassis Reinforcement

To support the new Ute tray, the Technic chassis needed extra bracing:

• Added long liftarms to strengthen the spine

• Reinforced the rear section

• Improved cross-beam stability to handle the tray footprint

Tray Design

I tried a few tray concepts before settling on a cleaner G-Series style. The goal: sturdy, balanced, and authentic to Technic proportions.

Tray Build

Using beams, panels, and angled connectors, I built out:

• The main tray frame

• Side rails

• Tail section

• Mounting points for the future accessories, these flip up from the bottom of the tray.

Test Fit

Mounted it onto the chassis to check alignment and tweak clearances.

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Front Nudge Bar + Sports Bar Installation (2 Hours)

Next came the custom Technic nudge bar, built from liftarms, axels and connectors. After that, I installed the tray sports bar, giving the model a proper rugged Ute silhouette.

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Tool Box, Jack Mount & Axle Fillers (2 Hours)

To finish the build with some functional Technic details:

• Added a Technic tool box mounted on the tray

• Created a Jack, which can be used to lift the model.

• Built side axle fillers to close the visual gaps between tray and chassis, giving it a clean, finished look

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Final Thoughts

Total build time: 22.5 hours
End result: a tough, clean, custom G-Series Technic Ute built from set 42177, with a reinforced chassis, new tray, accessories, and improved proportions.

This MOD not only improves the functionality and display presence, but also transforms 42177 into something uniquely yours. All the normal features of the 42177 A model, such as hand of god steering, working steering wheel, R-N-D gear box, high / low transfer case and both the locking diffs still work as on the A model. 

I plan to use this as a base for some interesting attachents and different features.