CATERPILLAR ENGINES

Caterpillar Inc. is an American company that develops diesel engines and generators for shipping. In addition, Caterpillar produces gas turbines and heavy machines for road and hydraulic engineering and mining.

The caterpillar track

At the end of the 19th century, Daniel Best, Charles Henry Holt and Benjamin Holt tried to use steam tractors for agriculture. A tractor would mean huge progress in agriculture. But there was a problem. These steam tractors were so heavy that they got stuck in the soft agricultural land all the time. Looking for a solution, they started experimenting in 1904 with the idea of moving the road along with the vehicle: the caterpillar track.

Although it would be many years before the concept could be used, a breakthrough had been forced. The caterpillar track led to a revolution in road and hydraulic engineering and mining. Transport became possible now in areas that were previously inaccessible. Caterpillar by nature soon became Caterpillar by name.

Eventually, the invention of the caterpillar track had a large influence outside agriculture. The caterpillar track made it possible to develop an armoured vehicle: the tank. It was also thanks to the tank that Allied Forces managed to win the First World War.

Illinois, USA

Caterpillar – often abbreviated to CAT – was founded in 1925. Nowadays, 98,502 people work for the company worldwide. The CAT head office is in Peoria, Illinois, USA. Caterpillar is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). CAT has a worldwide network, thanks to 220 dealers in more than 157 countries.

Caterpillar Marine Power

Caterpillar is the market leader in medium and fast running maritime diesel engines. The company also develops generator sets and custom-made power capacity. CAT focuses on the following maritime sectors: cruise ships, ferries, freight transport, governmental services, recreational craft, inland navigation, working boats, dredgers, salvage vessels and fishing vessels.