10 Ways Caterpillar Changed the World
August 17, 2015
Legacy of Innovation
Caterpillar was founded by two families of innovators from the agriculture industry: the Bests and Holts. After joining forces to form Caterpillar, they were first to market with diesel-powered track-type tractors, essentially inventing the industry we know today. Caterpillar employees have followed in their footsteps, turning their passion for product development into innovations that create customer value and make the world a better place.
1. Steam-powered track-type tractor
Benjamin Holt tested his steam-powered track-type tractor prototype for the first time in 1904. His goal? Make it easier to plant crops in soft, boggy California soil where both horses and other kinds of tractors often got stuck. Whoa, Nellie!
2. The Auto Patrol
In 1931, Caterpillar released the industry's first true motor grader – the Auto Patrol. Who doesn’t love a smooth road?
3. D9900
The D9900, Caterpillar’s first diesel engine, went into production in 1931 and earned notoriety for being the world’s first mass-produced diesel engine. Make room, Henry!
4. “Low ground pressure” undercarriage
In 1955, Caterpillar introduced a special modification called “low ground pressure” (LGP) undercarriage, allowing our machines to work in extreme weather conditions on Antarctica. It’s still available on our machines today. Cool!!
5. Elevated sprocket
One of Caterpillar’s hallmark engineering innovations – the elevated sprocket – was designed in 1977. It allows machines to work harder and last longer while providing a much smoother operator ride. Today, it’s standard on medium and large Cat® track-type tractors. Who says you can’t have it all?
6. Cat Differential Steering System
Track-type tractors can spend up to 50 percent of their work time turning. The Cat Differential Steering System, designed in the 1980s, allows machines to turn “on a dime,” increasing productivity so customers can get more done in less time. Queen Mary, we gotcha covered!
7. Cat D7E
The Cat D7E with electric drive technology, introduced in 2009, gets more work done with less fuel. Since its introduction, we estimate customers have saved more than 12.2 million liters (3.2 million gallons) of diesel fuel with the D7E compared to our previous model. Hello, green!
8. ACERT™ Technology
Cat engines with ACERT Technology, unveiled in 2001, dramatically reduced harmful pollutants and waste emissions while maintaining engine performance, efficiency and durability. A cleaner world? You bet.
9. Tier 4 Final Solution
Caterpillar’s 2014 Tier 4 final solution will deliver a 90 percent emissions reduction over a 20-year period. Take a deep breath. Yeah, it’s that good.
10. Cat 336E H
Unveiled in 2012, the Cat 336E H was the first machine to use a novel hydraulic hybrid technology developed internally by Caterpillar. Hybrid technology? Conserving fuel and reusing energy while optimizing performance? It’s the way we roll – uh, and track.
