Miniature Earthmover
In 1995, International Machinery Corporation (IMC), Mt. Juliet,
Tennessee completed the research and development phase of its
first product-a miniaturized, remotely-controlled earthmover-and
embarked on preparations to begin producing the machine late
in 1996. The product is a 1/8 scale fully functional replica
of the world's largest earthmover, the 220,000-pound Caterpillar®
D11N Track-type Tractor. Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, Illinois granted
IMC trademark product approval and a worldwide license to manufacture
and market 1/8 scale replicas of Caterpillar products.
 The
Cat® D11N weighs only 340 pounds, has miniature hydraulic
and transmission systems, and is powered by an IMC-designed seven
horsepower, V4 four-stroke cycle engine which, says IMC, is the
world's first miniature industrial internal combustion engine.
The 45-pound engine, which will power all IMC products, is smaller,
quieter and has less vibration than single cylinder engines of
comparable power output.
IMC contemplates marketing the miniature earthmover to users
of heavy equipment, particularly Cat equipment, such as fleet
owners/contractors and operators of equipment for mining, construction
and demolition work. The company sees broad potential for sales
of the engine to Original Equipment Manufacturers for such applications
as boat propulsion, light landscaping machinery, snow grooming
vehicles, powered scale model vehicles, go carts and transportation
for the handicapped.
A market area of particular interest to IMC is the special
equipment category wherein the vehicle's small size, miniaturized
water-cooled engine and remote control capability permit its
use in confined spaces and in environments considered hazardous
to humans. Prospective customers in this category include the
military services and other federal agencies, law enforcement
organizations, and waste management firms.
The initial products are operated by radio remote control.
However, the company envisions large-scale export sales of the
1/8 scale Cat D11N and subsequent products; because of varying
restrictions on radio frequency use among foreign countries,
IMC is developing infrared remote control capabilities with technical
assistance from NASA under multiple Technology Transfer Agreements;
Marshall Space Flight Center is the cognizant NASA organization.
IMC plans to build upon the 1/8 scale Cat D11N experience
by introducing other innovative systems, both Cat machine replicas
and non-Cat products. Cat-licensed replicas planned for early
introduction include the 994 Front-Wheel Loader and the 793 Off-Road
Mining Truck. Additionally, IMC has preliminary designs for eight
non-Cat products for military use in weapon systems, surveillance
systems and explosive ordnance disposal.
®Caterpillar and Cat are registered trademarks
of Caterpillar Inc.
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