History of the Crawler Tractor

[GunnieSacked]

I found this interesting video of the first working crawler tractor. Benjamin Holt and Daniel Best (later CL Best took over design development), invented a gas powered crawler that eventually became Caterpillar.

And the story of

C.L. Best: Caterpillar’s Forgotten Genius​

C.L. Best: Caterpillar’s Forgotten Genius

Much has been made of Benjamin Holt’s contributions to the development of the crawler tractor. But the brilliance of his fierce rival and co-founder of Caterpillar tractors, C.L. Best, is often overlooked — despite his designs serving as a template for the famous Cat crawlers.

www.agriculture.com

 

[GunnieSacked]

I am not positive but I believe this is one of the first self powered Road Grader!
I believe it is powered by a gasoline engine!

 

[Former Wrench]

I am not positive but I believe this is one of the first self powered Road Grader!
I believe it is powered by a gasoline engine!

View attachment 339614

Looks like a true arm-breaker.

 

[Truck Shop]

That info video is a bit off--Holt & Best were forced to merge because of so many patent infringe-
ment law suits between the two. It was upsetting investors and the bankers made both meet
at the table to hammer out what became Caterpillar starting in 1925. Holt started in the Stockton
California area but the real test was the Palouse dry land wheat farming. Holt also built combines
and manufactured here in Walla Walla Wa.
*

 

[digger242j]

While the opening post doesn't mention it, the included video mentions the forerunner of Holt and Best's machines, the Lombard Steam Log Hauler. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lombard_Steam_Log_Hauler ) Its inventor, Alvin Lombard, is a relative of my wife, specifically, a 7th cousin, four times removed. (Mrs. Digger is way big into genealogy.) So, somehow, that makes *me* special.

 

[GunnieSacked]

That info video is a bit off--Holt & Best were forced to merge because of so many patent infringe-
ment law suits between the two. It was upsetting investors and the bankers made both meet
at the table to hammer out what became Caterpillar starting in 1925. Holt started in the Stockton
California area but the real test was the Palouse dry land wheat farming. Holt also built combines
and manufactured here in Walla Walla Wa.
*
View attachment 339651View attachment 339652

Great back story about Caterpillars beginning. Thanks for the insight into this.

 

[Truck Shop]

Great back story about Caterpillars beginning. Thanks for the insight into this.

A random item that came from a post on another forum I visit. I posted a photo taken here
in Walla Walla circa 1905. A fellow replied asking if the photo was taken in 1905, I didn't post
a date with it at that time. I replied yes it was taken in 1905, the reply-{ The family believes
that is our great uncle John Best at the controls. We have never seen this photo or knew of
it's existence. But we knew from family records John was in Portland Or. giving a demonstration
at that time, so it would have made sense that he traveled to Walla Walla also}.
*

 

[GunnieSacked]

A random item that came from a post on another forum I visit. I posted a photo taken here
in Walla Walla circa 1905. A fellow replied asking if the photo was taken in 1905, I didn't post
a date with it at that time. I replied yes it was taken in 1905, the reply-{ The family believes
that is our great uncle John Best at the controls. We have never seen this photo or knew of
it's existence. But we knew from family records John was in Portland Or. giving a demonstration
at that time, so it would have made sense that he traveled to Walla Walla also}.
*
View attachment 339949

Awesome, the stories get even better!