⌘ K
"With a BrickScore of 62.5, the Compact Crawler Crane is a rewarding entry point for Technic newcomers but a modest offering for veterans — its historic first-of-its-kind subject matter and fun unboxing moment are undercut by flimsy outriggers, no interconnected controls, and a repetitive build that leaves experienced fans wanting more."
The LEGO Technic 42097 Compact Crawler Crane earns a middling BrickScore of 62.5, reflecting a genuinely split reception. Enthusiastic newcomers to Technic consistently praise the engaging build experience, impressive size when fully extended, and strong play value — several reviewers called it their first Technic set and loved it. More experienced fans and critical reviewers, however, flag mechanical shortcomings: flimsy, hard-to-operate outriggers, a boom rotation that conflicts with the outrigger placement, no interconnected controls, and a repetitive third build phase. The set's chief distinction — being the first-ever compact crawler crane in Technic history — earns genuine respect, but many seasoned builders feel that novelty alone doesn't compensate for a lack of engineering ambition.
Where they split: There's a clear split along experience lines: first-time Technic builders and younger fans rate this very highly (many giving perfect scores), praising the playability and build experience. Seasoned collectors and critical reviewers score it 60 or below, citing mechanical flimsiness, limited engineering sophistication, and poor outrigger design. The same feature — simple, exposed mechanics — is praised as educational by one camp and criticized as insufficiently complex by the other.
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"Cranes have been a staple of the Technic assortment since the birth of the theme in the 1970s so it's perhaps surprising that the design team is still finding different types for inspiration."
Brickset Reviews
"Throughout the 42 year history of LEGO Technic, cranes have been a common thread."
Brick Fanatics"Cranes have been a staple of the Technic assortment since the birth of the theme in the 1970s so it's perhaps surprising that the design team is still finding different types for inspiration."
"Throughout the 42 year history of LEGO Technic, cranes have been a common thread."
Amazon4.7
LEGO.com4.1
