THIS IS THE STORY OF CATERPILLAR – FROM THE FIRST CRAWLER TRACTOR TO THE APOLLO MISSION

Chances are that everyone has heard about the Caterpillar brand before. The company history goes a long way back and it starts in 1883 when brothers Benjamin and Charles Henry Holt founded the Stockton Wheel Company in the town of Stockton, California.

Just three years later, Benjamin Holt unveiled the company’s first combined harvester - the Link Belt Combined Harvester. A man named Daniel Best completed his own combine a year earlier – Best later becomes and important figure in the Caterpillar history. Benjamin Holt built the company’s first steam engine tractor in 1890, which was another important moment of the company’s history. Around the same time - in 1891, 13-year-old C.L. – Daniel Best’s son – joined his dad in his business endeavor. A year later the Holt Manufacturing Company was incorporated.

THE BREAKTHROUGH

Holt wanted to improve the traction on his creations and this is why he replaced the wheels with chains and wooden tracks attached to them. He was able to introduce the first crawler in 1902 – the caterpillar-style tractor was a commercial success. He called it a “caterpillar” because someone suggested the tractor crawled like one, and Holt liked the comparison. Within a couple of years Holt developed a similar machine, but he used a gasoline engine this time. It was ready for production in 1908 – the same year when Daniel Best sold his company to Holt. The newly-formed company purchased a factory in Illinois the following year. Meanwhile, C.L. Best was able to establish the C.L. Best Gas Traction Co. in 1910, which was the year when Holt registered the “Caterpillar” trademark. The Holt Manufacturing Company provided a lot of support for the government during WWI.

Fast-forward to 1925 when C.L. Best’s company and Holt Manufacturing Company joined forces. Best was appointed as chairman of the board and the newly-formed company introduces their first product line – they had five different models to offer. Three years later they acquired the Russell Grader Manufacturing Company.

1931 was an important year – the company launched their first grader and the first diesel-powered tractor. They also switched the color scheme they used from red trim over gray base to the black trim over “Hi-Way” yellow base we all know today, although the yellow color was replaced with a different shade called “Caterpillar Yellow” in the 70s. The following years were marked with Caterpillar’s involvement of the construction of landmarks such as the Hoover Dam and the Golden Gate bridge.

The 40s were exciting times for the company. They supported the government once again during WWII and their machines helped the construction of tens of thousands of miles across the United States and other countries as well. The company also produced their first bulldozer blade and their first pull-type scraper which were designed and built from scratch by the Caterpillar engineers.

THE APOLLO MISSION

The Caterpillar Tractor Co. Ltd. Was founded in 1950 in England – it was their first subsidiary company. The 60s were marked by the introduction of the company’s first off-highway truck – the 769 model. In 1967 the new headquarters in Peorla, Illinois was opened. Caterpillar engines were even used to supply power for the Apollo mission in 1969!

1970 was the year that proved Caterpillar had already become an international leader in its segment. The total sales outside the U.S. were greater than the numbers achieved on the domestic market.

A company called Solar Turbines was acquired by Caterpillar in the beginning of the 80s. The distinctive yellow heavy machinery continued to help the construction of numerous remarkable sites across the globe. A couple of the International Harvester Company divisions were also acquired so the company could have their share of the industrial gas turbines sector.

The late 90s were the time when the biggest mechanically-propelled mining truck ever made was introduced by Caterpillar – the amazing 797 model was launched in 1998. Later that year the company introduced their line of compact equipment and machinery. They also acquired the Varity Perkins company and changed their English subsidiary’s name to Perkins Engines Company Limited.

Caterpillar proved once again that they were the leading innovators in the sector by introducing the D7E model in 2008, which happened to be the world’s first electric-powered track-type tractor.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MARKET LEADER

Numerous other companies were acquired over the last decade. The company also developed the Caterpillar Visitors Center in Illinois in 2012. Their first high-drive electric-powered dozer was introduced last year, and they are not planning to stop there. Currently the brand is able to offer the biggest range of construction machinery and related technology. Numerous line-ups of stationary electric, oil or gas-powered engines and generators are currently available for purchase. A wide variety of on-highway and off-highway mining and dump trucks, track and wheel dozers and loaders, compactors, excavators and drills proudly wear the CAT logo. The company also offers different utility vehicles, compact machinery, backhoe loaders, asphalt layers, shovels and the full range of mining and forest heavy machines. Last, but not least - the company’s state-of-the-art research and development center is able to offer different technology that is applicable in all kinds of segments.

Caterpillar continues to bring innovation to the world of heavy machinery and this is what makes them a leading name in the industry.

Hot ads for used machines are waiting for you in Sales Machinery here:

More info at: CATERPILLAR