These are flaming beetles found around Gnomeland security. When they explode they will knock you back. Click it to pick up and it becomes a Pocketed Boom Burble
Use the Whatzzit's Hover Clank behind Professor What at -585, 174, 952 '.
Approach the exhaust port at -297, 142, 1357 . Click the Pocketed Boom Burble from the quest helper or inventory.
After it explodes, click the resulting mound to enter Klak'Anon: Ulterior Mechanica. This is a mercenary-friendly zone. The mobs are mostly level-scaled even con.
Explore the zone. Follow the ramps counterclockwise and up.
HINT: There are boom burbles here which can be picked up and used!
Activate the Clockwork Gate Lever at -33, 14, 113 . A gate will open behind you at -2, 14, 118
Take the downhill path and clear all the clockworks.
Go back to the gate and take the uphill path. When you've cleared all the clockworks You'll see a message about giant doors lifting.