LEGO Technic 42209 - Mod - Field Plough Attachment

This is my latest attachment for LEGO Technic set 42209, Volvo L120 Front End Loader. This is a rear mounted field plough. This attaches to my standard rear lifting mount, making it fully compatible with the rest of my MFET (Multi Function Equipment Trailer) system and allowing for quick changes between tools.

As can be seen in the photos below, this can be raised and lowered as needed, when raised, it can be moved between work areas, without having to disconnect it.

MOD Spotlight: Turning the 42197 Tow Truck into a Rear-Mounted Road Scraper

Every now and then, a MOC catches your eye not just for what it is, but for what it could become. That was exactly the case with Nequmodiva’s 42197 Tow Truck MOC—a sleek, compact build based on parts from LEGO Technic 42197.

It’s a clever little design, but in my world of modular equipment and rear-mounted attachments, I saw something else entirely: a perfect base for a rear-mounted road scraper.

Why a Road Scraper?

Road scrapers are essential in roadwork and maintenance, smoothing and leveling surfaces before sealing or surfacing. 

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Playability and Function

The final result is a rear-mounted, passive scraper unit that pairs beautifully with my rear-hitch construction equipment. Kids (and adults) can drive it over rough LEGO surfaces and simulate road grading, scraping, or leveling operations. It’s fun, functional, and adds another layer of realism to my modular toolset.

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Conclusion

This mod is a great example of how a MOC doesn’t have to stay in its lane. With a bit of imagination and some careful tweaks, you can take an existing model and turn it into something entirely new—like this rear scraper, ready to prep LEGO roads for paving.

LEGO Technic 42209 - Mod - Road Roller Attachment

Another day, another custom attachment — and this one brings some serious weight to the back end of the Volvo L120!

Introducing the Road Roller Attachment — part of my ongoing series of mods for the 42209 Volvo L120 Front End Loader. This unit connects via my standard rear lifting mount, making it fully compatible with the rest of my MFET (Multi Function Equipment Trailer) system and allowing for quick changes between tools.

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Aesthetic Twist: Black & White

Instead of sticking with the usual yellow-and-black Volvo palette, I decided to go with a black and white colour theme this time. It gives the roller a clean, industrial look that stands apart from the loader itself — and honestly, it pops. This shift also makes it easier to visually separate attachment functions during play or display.

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Built for Play and Function

• The roller drum spins freely, making it great for imaginative play and realistic construction scenes.

• The rear lifting mechanism lifts and lowers the roller smoothly, using the built-in controls of the L120.

• It’s wide and stable enough to visually suggest real surface compaction while keeping the part count low.

This attachment really rounds out the attachments I have built (pun intended), giving the Volvo a role beyond digging and lifting. Now, it can pave and prep surfaces too!

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Compatible. Modular. Clean.

Whether you’re a Technic builder or someone who loves the modularity of MOCs and mods, this road roller slots in perfectly with the 42209 MOD system. It’s satisfying to see all the pieces come together in a way that balances form, function, and fun.

Review - LEGO Technic 42144 - Material Handler

The LEGO Technic 42144 instantly took me back to 1992, when I first got my hands on the legendary 8837 Pneumatic Excavator. That little red and grey set was one of my absolute favourites growing up — I still remember how much fun I had figuring out how the pneumatics worked, building and rebuilding it, and feeling like I had control over something truly mechanical. So when I picked up 42144, it felt like a full-circle moment — a more grown-up version of that childhood thrill, but still packed with hands-on fun.

Modern Technic, Classic Fun

42144 takes the concept of a working machine and ramps it up. The pneumatics are back, and they’re better than ever — smoother, more reliable, and integrated into a robust build that looks and feels like a real material handler. From the rotating upper structure to the functional arm and grabber, there's a real sense that this machine does something, which is something I always look for in a Technic set. It’s not just a model that sits on the shelf — it’s made to move, play, and engage.

Great for Kids (and Big Kids)

One of the things that makes 42144 stand out is its play factor. Unlike some of the more display-oriented flagship sets, this one invites interaction. My kids were immediately drawn to it — they were twisting the knobs, pumping the pneumatic switch, and genuinely trying to understand how the mechanisms worked. That kind of hands-on exploration is exactly what Technic is all about. It’s educational, sure, but more importantly — it’s fun.

Even More with the C Models

A huge bonus with this set is the sheer number of high-quality C-models online. The Technic community has really embraced 42144, and the alternate builds available range from forestry machines to diggers to futuristic walkers. Many of them retain full functionality and pneumatics, which extends the life and creativity of the set far beyond the original build. It’s one of those sets where you feel like you’re getting more than just one model in the box.

Final Thoughts

42144 hits that sweet spot between nostalgia and modern engineering. It reminded me of my first real Technic experience with 8837 — and just like back then, I found myself playing, tinkering, and smiling the whole time. Whether you're a Technic veteran or introducing someone new to the theme, 42144 delivers on function, fun, and versatility. It's a worthy addition to any collection — and a great example of how LEGO Technic still brings machines to life.

A New Era for My LEGO Technic Collection: Shelves, Drawers, and a Better Space

Over the years, my LEGO Technic journey has grown from a personal hobby into something much bigger — a creative outlet, a source of engineering satisfaction, and a way to stay grounded amid the chaos of daily life. With our recent renovations and the build of our new bedroom and home office, I finally had the opportunity to bring a long-awaited upgrade to my setup: dedicated shelves and drawers for my LEGO Technic models.
And wow — what a difference it makes.

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✨ Professional, Organised, and Integrated
For the first time, my models are no longer scattered across random surfaces or boxed away out of sight. Instead, they now live on clean, white shelving that’s fully integrated into the layout of our new room. Each shelf has been carefully arranged to showcase different generations and categories of my builds — from compact vehicles and prototypes to larger flagship models and attachments.
It’s not just about storage — it’s a display, and one I’m proud to walk past every day.

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🧠 More Space = More Creativity
Previously, limited space meant limiting what I could build or display. Now, with a dedicated display zone and pull-out drawers underneath for parts and tools, I can build faster, iterate more freely, and see my collection evolve in real time. The shelving has become more than just furniture — it's a creative workspace.

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✅ Wife Approval Factor: High!
Let’s face it — integrating LEGO into a shared home space is often a negotiation. But this new setup? Full marks. The white IKEA-style shelving matches the new room’s look, keeps everything tidy, and even earned a “That actually looks really good!” from my wife. That’s a win in anyone’s book.

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🏡 A More Public Part of Our Lives
One of the unexpected upsides of this project has been how it’s made LEGO Technic a more visible and accepted part of our family space. Rather than something tucked away or "just Dad’s hobby," it now has a real presence in our daily environment. The kids love walking past to see what’s new. It sparks conversations. It feels like part of our story.

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If you’re considering upgrading your own hobby space — whether for LEGO, electronics, crafts, or anything else — I highly recommend going all in. Having a dedicated, integrated, and visually clean space has completely changed how I approach building. It’s inspiring, satisfying, and oddly calming too.

LEGO Technic 42209 - Mod - Rear Mount Reel Mower MK2

Another day, another upgrade! Continuing the expansion of rear-mounted tools for the 42209 Volvo L120 Front End Loader, I’m excited to introduce the Reel Mower Attachment MK2 — a compact, road-ready, and fully functional mowing unit designed to work seamlessly with my rear lifting attachment system.

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Realism Meets Road Function

Inspired by traditional push-style reel mowers, the MK2 version brings both functionality and improved mobility to your LEGO Technic builds. This updated version now features rear wheels, allowing the attachment to be towed across roads or terrain without damaging the mower deck — adding a new layer of play and transport realism.

The Reel Mower connects to the L120 using my rear lifting attachment mount, meaning it can be easily raised or lowered for working or transport modes. It also maintains full compatibility with my rear lifting attachment mount, keeping it modular and easy to swap out, in this case by removing the two Orange pins.

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Key Features

• Rear Wheels for Road Transport – Now equipped with a dual-wheel setup, allowing the attachment to roll freely behind the L120 when not in use.

• Rear Lift Compatible – Designed specifically for the custom rear lifting attachment on the 42209, allowing full lifting functionality.

• Floating Reel Deck – The mower deck pivots freely to follow uneven LEGO terrain, simulating real-world mowing dynamics.

• Technic Reel Detail – Built using a simulated rotating reel made from Technic elements, for an authentic look and feel.

• Strong, Lightweight Build – Reinforced with liftarms and Technic panels in lime green for durability and high visibility.

• Quick Hitch System – Swaps in seconds using my rear lifting attachment mount for 42209 mods.

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Use Scenarios

From mowing LEGO city parks to grooming the greens of a mini golf course, the Reel Mower MK2 brings landscaping to life. Its compact footprint and working-style design make it a perfect addition for roleplay involving councils, contractors, or farm crews.

Whether driving it down a LEGO street or getting to work on the lawn, the Reel Mower MK2 brings a new layer of realism and play to your 42209.

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LEGO Technic 42209 - Mod - Rear Lifting Attachment Mount

As part of my ongoing work designing new attachments for the LEGO Technic 42209 Volvo L120 Front End Loader, I’ve recently turned my attention to the rear of the model. To support rear-mounted tools and accessories, I first needed a reliable and tidy way to mount them—without making major changes to the original build. This mount is an improvement on my previous one, as it now also includes a small LA, to allow the rear mounted attachments to also be lifted.

My main goal was to create a strong and functional rear mounting system that required minimal modifications to the stock L120 design. This would allow me to easily return the model to its standard configuration whenever needed.

After testing a few approaches, I settled on the solution pictured below. The only modification from the standard build is the replacement of two black 2L pins with blue 3L pins (highlighted in red), which provide extra reach for securing beams to the rear chassis. Additional beams underneath help stabilize the structure and tie it into the lower beam.

This setup gives me a solid foundation for building and swapping a range of rear attachments—without compromising the original look or structure of the L120.

Multi Function Equipment Trailer (MFET) – Attachment: Reel Mower

Another day, another attachment! Expanding the versatility of the MFET (Multi Function Equipment Trailer) system, I’m excited to present the Reel Mower — a compact, lightweight, and fully modular cutting solution for all your LEGO landscaping needs.

Built for Realism and Function
The Reel Mower attachment is inspired by traditional push-style reel mowers, commonly used for small lawns and sports fields. True to its name, this version features a simulated cutting reel design built from Technic elements. The geometry and shape capture the sweeping motion and compact structure of its real-life counterpart.

This version connects seamlessly to the rear universal hitch system of the MFET, utilizing the new tow arm design for improved articulation and load balance. Thanks to a low centre of gravity and single-axle design, the Reel Mower tracks beautifully behind the MFET, with just the right amount of play in the connection for tight turns and realistic movement.

Design Features

• Quick Hitch Compatible – Like all MFET attachments, this version uses my standard hitch layout, making it easy to connect, swap, and play.

• Floating Reel Deck – A flexible pivot allows the mower deck to follow uneven terrain — perfect for simulating mowing action over LEGO terrain plates or carpet.

• Durable Construction – Built using reinforced liftarms and Technic panels in bright green for maximum visibility and strength.

• Scaled Play Value – Proportioned to suit MFET builds and mid-sized LEGO Technic trucks or utility vehicles.

Use Case Scenarios
This reel mower is ideal for landscaping, sports field maintenance, and even pretending to mow LEGO city parks or lawns. Whether you're imagining a local council doing weekend maintenance or a golf course being trimmed before a tournament, the Reel Mower fits right in.

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Multi Function Equipment Trailer (MFET) – Attachment: Rubbish Bin Loader MK3

The Rubbish Bin Loader MK3 is the latest specialized attachment designed for my Multi Function Equipment Trailer (MFET) system – and it’s a fun, functional nod to the often-overlooked work of waste management. Compatible with my existing 42209 attachments, this build brings a new kind of realism and play value to the line up.


Purpose-Built Design
Inspired by real-world council trucks and kerbside bin lifters, the MK3 Loader features:

• A dual-bin lift mechanism that simulates automatic collection arms.

• Fully articulated movement with manual control knobs to raise, lower, and tip the bins.

• Compact profile that fits seamlessly on the standard MFET frame.

• Easy pin-and-axle connection points for quick hitch swapping between other trailer modules.

Functionality
This attachment was designed with function first, but I’ve kept aesthetics tidy with a smart use of light grey and white Technic panels, echoing a municipal look. Green and black detailing on the bins adds contrast and immediately tells the viewer what this rig is all about.

The back gate flips open to simulate waste disposal into the truck bed, and the included bins fit perfectly on the lift claw. It’s the most interactive MFET add-on yet, perfect for kids (or adults!) wanting to role-play city clean-up scenes.

Improvements from MK1 and MK2
The MK3 version incorporates several improvements over earlier bin loader designs:

• Reinforced lifting arm for smoother operation and increased durability.

• Improved weight distribution to stop the trailer tipping backward when loaded.

Future Enhancements
This is just the beginning. I’m currently testing a motorized lift option and a rear compactor module for full garbage truck functionality. As with all MFET modules, it’s built to scale with Technic mid-size trucks like set 42209 and my ORUT builds.

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LEGO Technic 42147 C-Model – Wheel Loader (V2.0) - Mini Review