Dating back to Holt and Best, we’ve focused on innovative solutions that help our customers succeed. In fact, Holt and Best had over 100 patents. Caterpillar employees have followed in their footsteps, turning their passion for product development into solutions that create value and make the world a better place.
Steam-Powered Track-Type Tractor
Caterpillar Sixty Track-Type Tractor
The Auto-Patrol Motor Grader
Old Betsy
“Low Ground Pressure” Undercarriage
Elevated Sprocket
Cat Differential Steering System
Autonomy
Leading Energy Transition Solutions
Connected Assets & Digital Integration
Benajamin Holt tested his steam-powered track-type tractor proto-type for the first time in 1904. The invention revolutionized the industry by making it easier to plant crops in soft, boggy soil without getting stuck.
First sold as the Best 60 in 1919, the Caterpillar Sixty track-type tractor is one of the company’s most successful models. Its innovation in engineering is still present in the DNA of day’s Cat dozer lineup.
In 1931, Caterpillar produced the industry’s first true motor grader, the Auto-Patrol, designed as one machine instead of a separate tractor with a grader frame fitted around it.
The D9900 proto-type was nicknamed “Old Betsy,” and was Caterpillar first, hand-built diesel engine. The D9900 ushered in an era of Caterpillar power solutions, diversifying the company’s customer base and opening avenues for growth. More than fifty years ago, “Old Betsy” was donated to the Smithsonian’s Museum of American History and is deemed to be of significant historical importance.
In 1955, Caterpillar introduced a special modification called “low ground pressure” (LGP) undercarriage, allowing machines to work in extreme weather conditions in places like Antarctica. It’s still an option on our machines today.
The elevated sprocket is considered an engineering marvel. It was designed in 1977, allowing machines to work harder, last longer and provide a smoother operator ride. Today, it’s standard on all medium and large Cat engines.
The Cat Differential Steering System was designed in 1977 and allows machines to “turn on a dime,” increasing productivity.
Caterpillar has been investing in autonomous technology for more than 30 years, and in 2024, Caterpillar celebrated 10 years of autonomous operations with over 630 large mining trucks running worldwide. From 1994 to 1995, Caterpillar ran the first two prototype Cat 77C autonomous mining trucks at a Texas…autonomy capabilities. Most recently, we implemented autonomous solutions scaled to serve the quarry and aggregate industry.
From ACERT™ technology unveiled in 2001 to the Cat D7E with electric drive technology, introduced in 2009, to today’s broad range of diverse products, services and technologies, Caterpillar is focused on helping our customers build a better, more sustainable world.
Caterpillar’s innovation history is legendary and we continue to lead.
