Auto Patrol
1931
In an era when grading roads required both a tractor and a grader frame, Caterpillar knew there was a better way. After acquiring the Russell Grader Manufacturing Company, leaders from both companies combined their technologies, creating the Auto Patrol, the world’s first motor grader.
Moving the engine to the back of this machine gave operators a better view of the blade, while the engine accumulated less debris. It was a win-win for the operator and the machine.
The powertrain’s weight was perfectly distributed across the blade and front and rear axles, providing the ideal blade pressure.
Pneumatic tires with puncture-proof tubes made the Auto Patrol as durable as it was functional.
