LEGO Reviews Technic42032

Compact Tracked Loader

Name: LEGO Compact Tracked Loader 42032
Brand: LEGO
SKU: 42032
Rating: 4.6 (188 reviews)

74 · RECOMMENDEDINVESTMENT GRADE: BBB2014252 pcsHigh agreement · 92%

Expert reviews

3analyzed

Owner ratings

188

Consensus

BUY

BrickScore

Recommended

Owners

Synthesized Verdict

"With a BrickScore of 73.8 and a 100% owner recommendation rate across 188 ratings, the Compact Tracked Loader earns its Recommended tier as a feature-packed, excellent-value Technic entry point, though veteran collectors should know its open, utilitarian look has not aged as gracefully as its mechanics."

Reviewers broadly agree that the Compact Tracked Loader (42032) punches well above its $19.99 price point, delivering multiple genuine Technic functions in a compact package that serves as an ideal entry point to the theme. Owner sentiment is exceptionally strong, with 188 ratings averaging 4.6 out of 5 and a remarkable 100% would-recommend rate on LEGO.com, aligning closely with the expert BrickScore of 73.8. The one notable caveat from experienced Technic fans is that the design feels sparse and aesthetically dated compared to more modern sets, with exposed mechanisms and limited fairings.

Where they split: JANG rated the primary build 65 out of 100, citing a dated, unfinished aesthetic compared to modern Technic releases, while Brickset scored it 85 and called it one of their favourite Technic sets of its size in years. LEGO.com owners rated it near perfect. The split is between experienced Technic enthusiasts focused on aesthetics and general buyers focused on play value and price.

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LOVED (7)

01Exceptional value for money at $19.99 for 252 pieces with multiple working functions
02Functional rolling treads with 64 links across two tread assemblies
03Worm gear bucket lift mechanism and dual-mode lever control
042-in-1 alternate build (Snow Groomer) included with printed instructions in the box
05Useful parts including rare orange liftarms and 12 light bluish grey bevel gears
06First compact tracked loader in the Technic line history
07Excellent introduction to core Technic engineering principles for new builders

CRITICIZED (5)

01Open, exposed design lacks the fairings and cowling of modern Technic sets, looking unfinished by contemporary standards
02Treads perform better on carpet than smooth surfaces and cannot achieve perfect on-the-spot turns
03Single-piece bucket feels lower quality: more pliable than standard bricks with visible mold lines
04Sticker use for control panels instead of printed elements
05No new building techniques for experienced Technic collectors

What reviewers are saying

"This is one of my favourite Technic sets of the size for years."

Brickset Reviews

"This is the official alternate build for which instructions are included with the package. You don't even have to go online. They're right there in the box as a second little little booklet."

JANG's LEGO Reviews

Ecosystem

42039 24 Hour Racer — The reviewer visited the LEGO Store to buy the 24 Hour Racer but was drawn to the Compact Tracked Loader instead, suggesting it offers comparable or greater value despite different themes.

8418 Mini-Loader — Commenter noted that LEGO has done 4-wheeled skid-steer loaders like the 8418 Mini-Loader before, but this tracked loader design is novel to the line.

LEGO Technic Compact Tracked Loader (original/primary build) — The alternate build demonstrates superior functional diversity compared to the original, despite both sharing similar aesthetic limitations. The snow groomer version shows more innovative actions and engineering principles.

Other recent Technic sets — This set's sparse, open design with exposed mechanisms and lack of fairing/cowling makes it feel outdated compared to modern Technic sets that prioritize a more finished, realistic appearance with better concealment of internal structures.

TechnicTier 2Investment Grade

By Reviewer · 2

Avg score

Consensus

BUY

Brickset Reviews

Editorial Source

BUY

"This is one of my favourite Technic sets of the size for years."

Key Pros

✓Excellent play functions for a small set with multiple independent controls
✓Absolute bargain price (£14.99/$19.99) for feature set provided
✓Useful parts including rare orange liftarms and 12 bevel gears

Key Cons

✕No new building techniques or functions for seasoned collectors
✕Cannot achieve perfect on-the-spot turn with treads

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JANG's LEGO Reviews

Expert Video Source · avg of 2

"This is the official alternate build for which instructions are included with the package. You don't even have to go online. They're right there in the box as a second little little booklet."

Key Pros

✓Excellent engineering and functional design
✓Teaches good Technic principles and construction techniques
✓Multiple mechanical actions (blade articulation, winch rotation/fold, boom raise/lower)

Key Cons

✕Aesthetic appearance is not exceptional
✕Some pieces have stickers from the original build that need to be ignored or removed

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Dimensional Analysis

Investment Layer

Buy now (1)Wait for sale (0)

Exclusivity

Brickset Reviews: Wide retail (LEGO Store and general availability 2015)

Minifigures & Standout Parts

Standout parts (per reviewers)

64 link treads
Standard tracked unit component that enables rolling movement on various surfaces
rare orange liftarms
Rare colour variant, a pair included in the set
12 light bluish grey bevel gears
An impressive quantity - more than in any other set according to the reviewer
Bucket piece
Loose in the box due to its size
Worm gear
Used for the blade raise/lower linkage mechanism
1x2 cheese slope pieces with stickers
Exclusive patterns useful for brick-based builders; appears to be color/print variant. Requires sticker transfer between 2-in-1 builds, creating maintenance hassle.

What Owners Say · summarized from 9 written reviews (LEGO, Amazon, Walmart)

Owners love this compact Technic set for its smooth tracks, working bucket mechanism, dual builds, and excellent value as an introductory set with robust, realistic details.

COMMON PRAISE