Hands-on with the Hobbywing QuicRun Fusion Brushless Crawler Motor/ESC

This motor and ESC setup will turn your RTR or kit-built crawler into a smooth operator.

If you had told me years ago that I’d consider installing a brushless motor into an R/C crawler, I probably would have said you were crazy. By their nature, crawlers are typically slower machines that require finesse and not raw speed. That said, the R/C hobby is one that’s filled with surprises.

Although I have entertained the idea of installing a brushless motor system into one of my crawlers for a while, I had yet to pull the trigger on that upgrade. However, when Hobbywing announced its QuicRun Fusion two-in-one motor and ESC unit ($149.99), I decided to take the leap.

If you’ve entertained the idea of running a brushless motor setup in your R/C crawler, the QuicRun Fusion might be the easiest way to do it.

What’s in the Box

• 1 Hobbywing QuicRun Fusion Brushless Motor and ESC (1800kv or 1200kv)
• 1 Hobbywing Program Card
• 1 Male-to-Male JR Receiver Cable (for programming the ESC)
• 1 Male-to-Female JR Receiver Extension Cable

Upgrade Benefits

Moving from a brushed to brushless motor setup in your 1/10-scale R/C crawler has a wide range of benefits. If you’re swapping out the system in a ready-to-run (RTR) vehicle, chances are you’re getting a broader range of control options, not to mention smoother throttle response. While the focus of a motor system upgrade tends to lean towards the motor, the ESC often has its own set of benefits, including improved “hill hold” and throttle settings.

One specific benefit of the Hobbywing QuicRun Fusion is its compact footprint. If you’re running low on space or want to have a specific layout for your internal electronics, this motor system helps to keep things tidy.

Installing the Hobbywing QuicRun Fusion Brushless R/C Crawler Motor

Going from the box to your R/C crawler should be a quick process, no matter what model you’re installing the motor into. I installed this setup into a Traxxas TRX-4 Sport, and it was a very straightforward procedure. Before you get started, make sure you have the following items on-hand:

• A set of hex drivers suitable for your radio-controlled vehicle
• Your vehicle’s transmitter/controller
• A fully-charged battery pack to test your connections, calibrate the ESC, and program your motor.

Hobbywing has managed to cram quite a bit of tech into their QuicRun Fusion motor can. By size comparison, the QuickRun Fusion is as long as a standard 550-size brushed motor, so you should have plenty of room when installing this into your rig. Before you begin removing any of your old motor setup, it’s a good idea to calibrate the QuicRun Fusion ESC to ensure maximum throttle input.

For a TRX-4 Sport installation, you’ll start by removing the cover from the receiver box and wire-routing compartment as well as removing the front screw that holds the battery tray to the chassis. After those wires are unplugged and loose, you can unplug the stock motor from the ESC. Next, remove the screws holding the ESC to the chassis and put that unit off to the side.

Three screws hold the motor guard to the chassis. Remove these and gently remove the stock motor. Before you set that aside, remove the motor mounting plate and pinion gear. Make a note of the mounting holes used for the motor, as you’ll want to mount the QuickRun Fusion motor using the same alignment.

With the stock motor and ESC off to the side, you can begin installing the QuicRun Fusion motor to the motor plate and re-attach the pinion gear. Perform several “test fit” motor placements before you re-attach the motor gear guard. You want to ensure the pinion and spur gears don’t bind while in motion.

Now that the motor is in place, you can plug your QuickRun Fusion into your receiver, re-attach any covers that you’ve removed, power on your vehicle, and take it for a spin.

The Power to Move

I couldn’t wait to test the new heartbeat of my TRX-4 Sport on the trail. Sadly, it was raining when I installed the QuicRun Fusion and I had to settle for an indoor shakedown. No worries. I had some throw pillows handy and set up a simple course to test the full range of throttle control. I pressed the power button, saw it light up, and felt my anticipation grow.

Giving a slight, gentle squeeze to the throttle trigger, I saw something that I’d never seen from the TRX-4 Sport before...movement. I’m talking about a minimal amount of throttle input here. Barely a touch. Almost nothing. Get the picture?

The movement from the rig was slow, but it was smooth and steady. As it made its way to the foot of my pillow hill, it kept on moving. Up and over the pile of cushions it went. No binding, no bogging, just steady forward movement. It was glorious.

Playing around with more throttle input made me love this motor setup even more. Downhill “hill hold” control is amazing and this rig now has a new, refreshed sense of being. But enough indoor fun, it’s time to head outside and see what this setup can really do.

What’s the verdict? Is the Hobbywing QuicRun Fusion Brushless Cralwer Motor/ESC worth putting into your R/C crawler?

Hobbywing isn’t the first brand to product a combined Motor/ESC combo, but they might have found the right audience for this application. As an easy-to-install upgrade to any 1/10-scale R/C crawler, the QuicRun Fusion can transform your crawler into a go-anywhere conqueror.

With two kv ratings available (1200 or 1800), you get a steady stream of power, no matter how much throttle you’re applying. While it would be nice to have a higher-output model available, the 1800kv model has plenty of power for my needs and has given me even more reason to run the TRX-4 Sport on my next outdoor adventure.

If you’re looking at upgrading the motor and ESC on your RTR trail rig or have a kit that’s in need of a powerplant, I’d highly recommend this motor package. In fact, I’m considering picking up another QuicRun Fusion for one of my other trail trucks. It’s that good.

Where to buy the Hobbywing QuicRun Fusion Brushless Crawler Motor/ESC:

• AMain Hobbies - $149.99 (Coupon discounts available)
• HobbyWing Direct - $149.99