On thanksgiving day in 1904, four brothers successfully tested the world’s first practical track-layering tractor. From Concord, NH., the Holt brothers grew up owning a sawmill that produced wagon hardwood for construction. Concord was popular to make these parts around the early 1800's. Charles, William, Ames, and Benjamin (oldest to youngest) continued this business when they grew up. Benjamin stayed in Concord, while the eldest 3 moved to San Francisco to further develop C.H. Holt and Co.
C. H. Holt and Co. primarily dealt with axles, wheels, frames, and other wagon materials. After much success, the brothers opened Stockton Wheel Co. in 1883. Benjamin moved west to manage this new company. This was during the period of the ‘gold rush’, where people moves to California to mine for gold in hopes of getting rich in the 1940's. Many were unsuccessful, and turned to farming due to the vast and fertile land. Benjamin was found to be the most technically competent of the brothers and he expanded the company to sell farming equipment to lure in the people hoping to strike it rich in CA. In 1886, the company made its first huge combine, which was pulled by 18 horses. But, in 1890, Benjamin built the very first steam-powered engine, and began to use the Caterpillar trademarks because he thought the machine looked like one. The engine could burn coal, wood, or oil as fuel and had 60 horsepower. Farmers raved over the Caterpillar Tractors innovated machines that were ⅙ of the cost and more efficient of a horse-drawn-combine. Holt’s machines sold for $5,500. By 1906, Benjamin Holt was developing gasoline powered tractors. The Holt brothers realized Benjamin had the most insight into the mechanical devices that they all lacked; by 1906, the other brothers had either returned home or died, leaving Benjamin to manage the factory by himself. His company was very profitable and was used in farming, road construction, and the military. In WWI, more than 200 of Caterpillar tractors were in service in more than 20 countries. After Benjamin died in 1920, the Holt Co merged with one of its competitors and took the name Caterpillar Tractor Co. Today, it is the largest manufacturer for tractors in the world.
1 Comment
Emily
12/5/2018 10:56:17 am
That's interesting I didn't realize that caterpillar originated in California. I suppose I always just thought they originated somewhere in the Midwest were farming was more common.
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