What Technic set should I get for general Technic MOC? I want to do some small machines in these books, But the sets recommended by the author are super expensive (set 8043 8053).


  LEGO Technic Sets I Recommend (December, 2010)
  Honestly, it is hard to find LEGO Technic sets which include a good variety of parts. Most include the parts you’ll need in order to make a particular model, like a car or helicopter. In addition, the sets available in the USA differ from those in Japan, where I live. Of the sets sold in the USA, I think the best set is #8043 (Motorized Excavator) ....


What are today's "equivalent version" of 8043 and 8053?
You should really buy the Lego Technic Bucket Wheel Excavator. It's a great price for the parts and has a very wide variety of parts: banana gears to Power Functions Elements.