The LEGO Technic Mack LR Electric Garbage Truck (42167) pairs a 503-piece build that takes about 2 hours with a modern electric city-service theme. I find it reads like a real municipal workhorse once it rolls. It shines because the Technic functions focus on play, not shelf presence. A working side-loader, simple steering, and opening doors keep builders ages 8+ coming back after the build.
Key takeaways
- 503 pieces with an expected build time of about 2 hours, made for builders ages 8+
- A realistic side-loader grabs, lifts, and tips the included trash cans for hands-on recycling play
- A gear on top of the cab drives steering, and the opening doors support driver-cab role-play
- A kid-friendly size works well for active play and storage: about 9 cm high, 23 cm long, and 8 cm wide
- The LEGO Builder app adds 3D instructions and progress tracking to cut down misbuilds and frustration during assembly
Build, play, and learn with a green energy city truck
I like this set because it blends a satisfying build with real pretend-play value. The green energy theme lands well in a City-style fleet, and the model feels like a proper municipal workhorse once it’s rolling. Customers rate it 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,560 reviews, and the common refrain is excellent quality and tons of fun.
What I focus on for the best build day
I get the most out of it when I treat it like a mini project, not a speed run. Here’s how I approach it:
- I plan for the 503 pieces and aim for a relaxed ~2-hour build, which most builders report.
- I keep parts sorted by color and element type to avoid hunting mid-step.
- I use it as a systems lesson: collection, loading, transport, and processing all in one play loop.
- I pair it with a parts bin set like the Large Creative Brick Box for extra recycling props and street details.
- I reset my display shelf expectations. If I want display drama, I grab cars like the Technic Bugatti Bolide or the Speed Champions 911 GT3 RS.
Recommended for ages 8+, it hits the sweet spot for kids who love industrial vehicles and hands-on builds. Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
LEGO Technic Mack LR Electric Garbage Truck Toy, Buildable Kids Truck for Pretend Play, Great Gift for Boys, Girls and Kids Ages 8 and Up who Love Recycling Toys and Vehicles, 42167
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Realistic Technic functions that actually get used in play
I like Technic builds best when the functions don’t sit idle, and this Mack LR Electric garbage truck delivers. The side-loader feels like a working mechanism, so play stays hands-on instead of turning into shelf time. Builders also get a modern electric truck angle that fits city scenes without feeling gimmicky.
What I keep coming back to during play
Here’s where the model earns its keep after the build:
- Side loader action that can grab, lift, and tip the included trash cans, which aligns with customer feedback that it can actually pick up cans.
- A gear element on top of the cab that controls steering, so I can roll it around and steer like a real vehicle, not a static display.
- Opening doors that reveal the driver’s cab, which makes role-play city cleanup stories flow naturally.
- Real-world inspiration from the Mack LR Electric keeps the details grounded and the theme current.
I like pairing this with creative bins from a large creative brick box, then adding traffic with a Technic Bugatti Bolide or display-worthy racers like the Ferrari SF-24, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, and Bugatti Centodieci.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
LEGO Technic Mack LR Electric Garbage Truck Toy, Buildable Kids Truck for Pretend Play, Great Gift for Boys, Girls and Kids Ages 8 and Up who Love Recycling Toys and Vehicles, 42167
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Size, feel, and value for a kids’ Technic set
The finished build measures about 3.5 in. (9 cm) high, 9 in. (23 cm) long, and 3 in. (8 cm) wide, so it sits nicely in small hands but still feels substantial on a shelf. I like this size for real play because kids can push it, grab it, and trigger the moving parts without fighting a fragile display model. For a bigger build experience later, I’d step up to the Technic Bugatti Bolide build.
What makes it feel like good value
A few value cues stand out in daily use:
- Moving parts that reward repeat play
- Compact footprint for easy storage and travel
- Giftable “vehicle build” vibe for birthdays and holidays
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
LEGO Technic Mack LR Electric Garbage Truck Toy, Buildable Kids Truck for Pretend Play, Great Gift for Boys, Girls and Kids Ages 8 and Up who Love Recycling Toys and Vehicles, 42167
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Helpful build experience (especially for younger Technic fans)
I lean on the LEGO Builder app to keep Technic builds smooth for younger fans. The 3D instructions let me zoom in, rotate the model, and confirm axle and pin orientation before I press parts in. Progress tracking also helps me pause cleanly mid-build and pick up fast later, with fewer “where did I leave off?” moments. That combo cuts frustration and keeps momentum high, even when the build introduces new element types.
How I use the app to prevent misbuilds
I stick to a few habits that work every time:
- Rotate the 3D view before every gear or axle step.
- Check symmetry by flipping the model view left/right.
- Use progress checkpoints before bag changes.
- Compare tricky steps with a smaller warm-up set like the Classic brick box.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
LEGO Technic Mack LR Electric Garbage Truck Toy, Buildable Kids Truck for Pretend Play, Great Gift for Boys, Girls and Kids Ages 8 and Up who Love Recycling Toys and Vehicles, 42167
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
From: Boulder, Colorado. Environmental science grad who checks materials, packaging, and whether “eco” is actually meaningful or just green-colored plastic.
