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The Forgotten Innovators of Compact Tracked Machinery
Trailam and Eimco were once respected names in the niche world of compact tracked equipment, particularly in mining, tunneling, and specialized construction. Though their production volumes never rivaled giants like Caterpillar or Komatsu, their machines filled critical roles in environments where maneuverability, low ground pressure, and mechanical simplicity were paramount.
Trailam, a lesser-known brand, focused on compact crawler tractors and utility track machines. Their designs often featured mechanical drivetrains, open operator stations, and narrow frames suited for confined spaces. Eimco, on the other hand, had a stronger presence in underground mining and industrial material handling. Their tracked loaders and mucking machines were staples in hard rock operations throughout North America and Australia.
Terminology Notes
Trailam’s tracked units were often used in forestry, pipeline work, and small-scale earthmoving. Their machines typically featured:
Eimco’s Underground Loaders and Mining Heritage
Eimco (Eastern Iron and Machinery Company) was founded in the early 20th century and became a major supplier of underground mining equipment. Their tracked loaders, such as the Eimco 12B and 21L, were designed to operate in narrow tunnels and haul ore efficiently. Key features included:
Field Anecdotes and Operational Legacy
A retired miner in Utah recalled operating an Eimco 12B in a narrow copper drift. The machine’s ability to pivot and dump sideways allowed crews to load rail cars without repositioning. He noted that the loader’s chain drive required frequent tensioning but rarely failed outright.
In another story from British Columbia, a Trailam crawler was used to haul logs along a steep forest trail. Its low center of gravity and narrow track stance allowed it to navigate switchbacks that would have stopped a wheeled skidder cold. The operator modified the machine with a hydraulic winch salvaged from a snowcat, extending its utility for years.
Maintenance Tips and Restoration Advice
For those restoring or maintaining vintage Trailam or Eimco machines:
Trailam and Eimco eventually faded from the mainstream as larger manufacturers consolidated the compact equipment market. Eimco’s mining division was absorbed into larger conglomerates, and Trailam’s production ceased as demand shifted toward hydrostatic rubber-tracked units. However, their legacy lives on in the machines still operating in remote areas, maintained by enthusiasts and small contractors who value simplicity over sophistication.
According to historical equipment registries, Eimco sold tens of thousands of units globally, with many still in service decades later. Trailam’s footprint was smaller but left a lasting impression in forestry and utility sectors.
Conclusion
Trailam and Eimco may no longer dominate the equipment landscape, but their contributions to tracked machinery remain significant. Built for environments where agility and durability mattered more than horsepower, their machines continue to serve as reminders that innovation often begins in the margins. Whether hauling ore or clearing trails, these old brands carved a path that modern equipment still follows.
Trailam and Eimco were once respected names in the niche world of compact tracked equipment, particularly in mining, tunneling, and specialized construction. Though their production volumes never rivaled giants like Caterpillar or Komatsu, their machines filled critical roles in environments where maneuverability, low ground pressure, and mechanical simplicity were paramount.
Trailam, a lesser-known brand, focused on compact crawler tractors and utility track machines. Their designs often featured mechanical drivetrains, open operator stations, and narrow frames suited for confined spaces. Eimco, on the other hand, had a stronger presence in underground mining and industrial material handling. Their tracked loaders and mucking machines were staples in hard rock operations throughout North America and Australia.
Terminology Notes
- Crawler Tractor: A tracked machine used for pushing, pulling, or grading, often with a dozer blade or drawbar.
- Mucking Machine: A specialized loader used in underground mining to remove blasted rock or ore.
- Planetary Final Drive: A gear system that multiplies torque at the track sprocket, improving traction and load capacity.
- Hydrostatic Drive: A fluid-based transmission system offering variable speed control without gear shifting.
- Articulated Frame: A chassis design that allows the machine to pivot in the middle, improving maneuverability in tight spaces.
Trailam’s tracked units were often used in forestry, pipeline work, and small-scale earthmoving. Their machines typically featured:
- Air-cooled diesel engines in the 20–60 hp range
- Mechanical clutch-and-brake steering systems
- Narrow track width for trail access
- Bolt-on attachments including winches, blades, and trenchers
- Steel undercarriage components with grease-lubricated rollers
Eimco’s Underground Loaders and Mining Heritage
Eimco (Eastern Iron and Machinery Company) was founded in the early 20th century and became a major supplier of underground mining equipment. Their tracked loaders, such as the Eimco 12B and 21L, were designed to operate in narrow tunnels and haul ore efficiently. Key features included:
- Electric or diesel power options for ventilation-sensitive environments
- Side-dump buckets for confined loading zones
- Chain-driven track systems with low-profile frames
- Enclosed operator compartments with canopy protection
- Hydraulic controls for lift, tilt, and travel functions
Field Anecdotes and Operational Legacy
A retired miner in Utah recalled operating an Eimco 12B in a narrow copper drift. The machine’s ability to pivot and dump sideways allowed crews to load rail cars without repositioning. He noted that the loader’s chain drive required frequent tensioning but rarely failed outright.
In another story from British Columbia, a Trailam crawler was used to haul logs along a steep forest trail. Its low center of gravity and narrow track stance allowed it to navigate switchbacks that would have stopped a wheeled skidder cold. The operator modified the machine with a hydraulic winch salvaged from a snowcat, extending its utility for years.
Maintenance Tips and Restoration Advice
For those restoring or maintaining vintage Trailam or Eimco machines:
- Use modern synthetic lubricants to reduce wear in older gearboxes
- Replace track bushings and sprockets with custom-machined equivalents
- Upgrade electrical systems with sealed connectors and LED lighting
- Rebuild hydraulic cylinders with modern seal kits
- Fabricate missing panels or guards using original blueprints or reverse engineering
- Retrofit hydrostatic drive modules for smoother control
- Install remote grease fittings for hard-to-reach undercarriage points
- Add rollover protection structures (ROPS) for safety compliance
- Use GPS tracking for location and usage logging in fleet environments
- Equip with quick-attach couplers for modern attachments
Trailam and Eimco eventually faded from the mainstream as larger manufacturers consolidated the compact equipment market. Eimco’s mining division was absorbed into larger conglomerates, and Trailam’s production ceased as demand shifted toward hydrostatic rubber-tracked units. However, their legacy lives on in the machines still operating in remote areas, maintained by enthusiasts and small contractors who value simplicity over sophistication.
According to historical equipment registries, Eimco sold tens of thousands of units globally, with many still in service decades later. Trailam’s footprint was smaller but left a lasting impression in forestry and utility sectors.
Conclusion
Trailam and Eimco may no longer dominate the equipment landscape, but their contributions to tracked machinery remain significant. Built for environments where agility and durability mattered more than horsepower, their machines continue to serve as reminders that innovation often begins in the margins. Whether hauling ore or clearing trails, these old brands carved a path that modern equipment still follows.
