LEGO Technic 42163 Heavy-Duty Bulldozer review

LEGO Technic 42163 Heavy-Duty Bulldozer is a humble set, but is this small model good enough to bulldoze its way into your collection?

Heavy-duty machinery and Technic go hand in hand. Whether they’re giant construction sets such as 42146 Liebherr Crawler Crane LR 13000 or dinky pocket-money sized sets such as this new entry, the mechanics, the operating mechanisms and the robust aesthetics just seem to fit the LEGO Technic style of building more than any other vehicle.

So how does 42163 Heavy-Duty Bulldozer shape up compared to other sets already in the Technic back catalogue, and will this set be a worthy impulse buy come January 1?

--- LEGO Technic 42163 Heavy-Duty Bulldozer set details ---

Theme:  LEGO Technic Set name: 42163 Heavy-Duty Bulldozer Release: January 1, 2024

Price: £8.99 / $12.99 / €9.99 Pieces: 195 Minifigures: 0

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--- Where to buy LEGO Technic 42163 Heavy-Duty Bulldozer ---

LEGO Technic 42163 Heavy-Duty Bulldozer is available to buy from LEGO.com, LEGO Stores and third-party retailers from January 1, 2024.

--- LEGO Technic 42163 Heavy-Duty Bulldozer build ---

Based on the traditional crawler-style bulldozer and presented in a traditional yellow colour scheme, 42163 Heavy-Duty Bulldozer contains 195 parts spread across three unnumbered bags. It's a smaller model that might only slightly scratch the building itch of Technic aficionados, but it makes for a fantastic gateway set for those builders who are entering the world of Technic for the first time.

It's simple enough to construct without too much head-scratching, but still presents enough gears, mechanisms and moving parts to offer up an enjoyable taste of what Technic sets are all about. The model might be small but at times it does require a little concentration making sure all the Technic pins are placed in the correct way. 

A small gear on top operates the front scoop allowing it to move up and down and four wheels on either side allow the bulldozer to be pushed along. The addition of the caterpillar tracks (48 individual chain link pieces) is a great touch and adds a nice level of authenticity to the final model.

While the build is an enjoyable (albeit short) experience, the overall aesthetic is an almost chibi-style take on a bulldozer. It’s rather cute, although looks a little basic from certain angles. 

--- LEGO Technic 42163 Heavy-Duty Bulldozer price ---

While the rest of the LEGO world seems to be getting more and more expensive across almost every single theme, these pocket-money sets remain the same price, and we have absolutely no complaint about that at all. 42163 Heavy-Duty Bulldozer is an easy recommendation at £8.99 / $12.99 / €9.99.

--- LEGO Technic 42163 Heavy-Duty Bulldozer pictures ---

--- LEGO Technic 42163 Heavy-Duty Bulldozer pros and cons —

While 42163 Heavy-Duty Bulldozer doesn't offer hours of building, it does deliver a decent level of entertainment when putting it together. The mechanics are fun to operate and the chainlink tracks are a great addition. 

It’s not the prettiest looking thing the LEGO Group has ever produced, and perhaps looks a little basic compared to other sets that are at a similar price point, but it’s a neat little model that’s compact, fun and will surely appeal to a lot of younger builders.

This set was provided for review by the LEGO Group.

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--- Alternatives to LEGO Technic 42163 Heavy-Duty Bulldozer ---

42163 Heavy-Duty Bulldozer is a dinky but fun model to put together. The challenge will suit younger builders and if you are looking for more of the same then 42148 Snow Groomer and 42147 Dump Truck are currently selling at the same price point and will offer the same level of challenge as the Heavy-Duty Bulldozer. 

However, if you are a seasoned builder then you could try to track down the mightily-impressive 42146 Liebherr Crawler Crane LR 13000. It contains 2,883 pieces and is one of the largest, most complex sets that the LEGO Technic theme has ever produced. 

--- LEGO Technic 42163 Heavy-Duty Bulldozer FAQs ---