Released in 1976, the Crater Cruncher was among the second series of vehicles put out by Mego which included a new little twist. Remember the "figure not included" text which graced all 70's (and even still today) packaging? Well Mego took a nod from Takara, and copied their marketing and packed a vehicle and figure together. Based on the Microman Bull Crane from their "Machine Car" series, the Crater Cruncher was a boxed item that contaned a smaller fold out window box with a Time Traveler figure included. What a great idea! (The Microman versions included an M-11X, and M-12X figure which Mego never released)

 
The Crater Cruncher was molded in orange and black plastic, and also featured a simlple body design. There were 2 main body sections: the seat section (which held the figure in place with a 5mm L-peg) supplied the 2 piece extendable crane and hook arm, which could be raised or lowered with a small connector that fit into a 5mm hole on its top. The front body section supplied the shovel, held in place by 2 lifter arms which attached to the sides, along with the 2 front wheels. These 2 body sections could be popped onto the motor.
Another new feature for the vehicles in this series was the addition of the wind-up torque motor. This chrome motor would be used again in numerous Micronaut vehicles, due to its adapability with the 5mm peg/hole system. When holding the wheels (fitted with rubber tires) you could turn the white nob in a clockwise direction. When released, the wheels would spin propelling the vehicle forward. A surplus of these motors would later be released mainly in the Canadian markets as a 3 pack carded set. Crater Cruncher also came packaged with instructions and a sticker sheet.