10 Caterpillar Inventions That Changed The World
- Steam-Powered Track-Type Tractor
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. - Caterpillar Sixty Track-Type Tractor
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. - The Auto-Patrol Motor Grader
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. - Old Betsy
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. - “Low Ground Pressure” Undercarriage
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. - Elevated Sprocket
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. - Cat Differential Steering System
The Cat Differential Steering System was designed in 1977 and allows machines to “turn on a dime,” increasing productivity. - Autonomy
From 1994 to 1995, Caterpillar ran the first two proto-type Cat 777C autonomous mining trucks at a Texas limestone quarry, and in 1996, we debuted remote autonomy capabilities. Today, Caterpillar has one of the largest autonomous fleets of haul trucks – now numbering XXX+, and autonomous mine sites operating 24/7 on three continents. Most recently, we implemented autonomous solutions scaled to serve the quarry and aggregates industry. - Leading Energy Transition Solutions
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. - Connected Assets & Digital Integration
Caterpillar’s innovation history is legendary and we continue to lead