INNOVATIONS, LANDMARKS & MILESTONES

Built on innovation, Caterpillar ® ’s story over the last 100 years has been one of reaching milestones and creating landmarks in an ever changing and demanding industry that is still evolving and expanding.

Continuing its legacy in creating industry-leading products, technologies and services that help its customers do their best work and build the world around us, Caterpillar ® ’s next 100 years will undoubtedly be every bit as innovative as the last.

As bauma 2025 approaches, Awesome Earthmovers has been finding out what visitors to the show can expect from Caterpillar and we also take a look back at the achievements of this world-renowned manufacturer over the past century and look forward to what we can expect next from this global giant in the years to come.

In the beginning…

Caterpillar’s story began in the mid-19th century, when its founders, C.L. Best and Benjamin Holt, were competitors on parallel paths. Benjamin Holt invented a steam tractor to keep farmers working and more productive longer and cheaper than horses could. Meanwhile, C.L. Best began a small startup called the C.L. Best Gas Traction Co, which initially focused on round-wheel tractors.

By the end of 1912, Best had a tracklayer ready for production – the C.L. Best 70 Tracklayer, featuring a Best-designed engine. Best’s products soon included the “Tracklayer Creed,” a brand promise of superior quality and outstanding support.

In 1919, Best designed and manufactured the C.L. Best 60 Tracklayer. This machine was arguably the most successful tractor of the 1920s. The machine’s influence on the undercarriage of Cat® dozers is still relevant today.

For his part, Holt became a prolific inventor and owned more than 45 patents. The people in his hometown of Stockton, California, knew him as “Uncle Ben.” It was here that saw the birth of the first Caterpillar tractor, an invention that not only revolutionised the agriculture industry in its early days, but touches lives still today.

The most significant engineering innovation attributed to Benjamin Holt, his invention of the first commercially successful track-type tractor – today’s dozer - which became one of Caterpillar’s cornerstone products.

Holt’s main market was initially focused on the agricultural sector in Northern California, but the area’s geography made it difficult to prepare for crops, as the heavy steam tractors would get stuck in the soggy peat soil. So, after some research, Holt instructed his mechanics to remove the rear wheels from a Holt steam tractor and replace them with a pair of tracks he had designed. A photographer was subsequently called on to capture the machine on camera. Seeing it in action he remarked that it moved like a big caterpillar, and so was born the name that has become synonymous with earthmoving equipment the world over.

Limited Edition Machines

To mark its Centennial year, Caterpillar has launched Limited Edition models available for purchase through select Cat dealers around the world. The machines feature a custom “Centennial Grey” paint scheme to recognise the original colour of Caterpillar’s first products, as well, of course, as all of the latest Cat technologies.

Commented Tony Fassino, Caterpillar Construction Industries group president: “Since 1925, our customers have used our products and services to help improve the quality of people’s lives throughout the world. The Limited Edition machines allow our customers to celebrate Caterpillar’s heritage while focusing on the work ahead.”

The Limited Edition models currently include a D3, D6XE and D8 dozer, a 305 CR excavator and other models. Visitors to the Caterpillar stand at bauma 2025 will be able to get up close and personal to some of these Limited Editions, and there will be so much more on display from the manufacturer as it showcases a wide range of equipment, technologies, power options, and services under the theme, “The Next 100 Years.”

THE NEXT 100 YEARS

New Launches & Upgrades

Highlighting Caterpillar ® ’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, the bauma exhibit covering over 9,000 m2 will feature 48 machines, including 17 new introductions or upgrades. These include enhancements to the battery electric line-up, expansions to the Next Generation line-up, and additions to the Demolition, Waste Handling, and Recycling portfolios.

Among machines on display will be the new D8 dozer, based on the Next Generation platform. It includes a new high-end operator station that is common with the D5-D7 platforms and comes with a 15-degree angled seat for enhanced comfort. Additionally, it introduces a full suite of Assist features and is Cat Grade 3D ready ex-factory.

Making its first appearance at bauma will be the 140 Next Generation Motor Grader. Still in prototype stage, this 20-tonne operating weight prototype machine consolidates two existing platforms into a common next generation platform for motor graders, providing customers more choices of features, technologies and configurations.

Meanwhile, the launch of a new MH3032 further expands the Material Handler line-up. Ideally suited to serve the scrap segment with a near 15 m reach and up to 1 m3 grapple, this machine is equipped with the Ease of Use features including 2D E-fence with Cab Avoidance, Cat Payload and Swing Assist for enhanced safety, production and efficiency.

Also on display will be a new 330 UHD Ultra High Demolition Hydraulic Excavator. Standard features include the Stability Monitoring System with light and sound indicators in the cab on the ultra-high front, Cat Payload and Cat Grade Control with 2D for the retrofit front parts.

Taking centre stage will be the Cat Performance Centre, showcasing the possibilities when power, machinery, technology and autonomy work together. The display will focus on a range of solutions designed to support Caterpillar customers, helping them to become more successful on their respective jobsites, including helping increase performance, streamline efficiencies, enhance safety and achieve their sustainability goals. Additionally, the Cat Performance Centre will feature the latest 301.9 Mini Hydraulic Excavator and 906 Compact Wheel Loader from the battery electric product offerings, both are available through select Cat dealer rental fleets.

The newest updates to the 320 and 950 GC prototypes will also be showcased, along with associated charging options and services.

Technology & Service Support

During a pre-bauma visit to the Caterpillar ® Learning and Training Centre (MDLC) in Malaga we spoke to a number of key personnel to find out more about what will be demonstrated at the show in Munich this April.

Director for Technology Sales and Marketing Claude Binchet told us that experts will be on hand to demonstrate advancements to VisionLink®, which is a cloud-based software application that takes the guesswork out of fleet management with key insights to maximise performance - regardless of fleet size or equipment manufacturer.

It enables operators to receive equipment data insights seamlessly to their desktop or mobile device, all from a convenient centralized solution to make informed decisions at every turn.

Also being demonstrated will be Cat Command which is an advanced remote control system that takes operators off the machine and away from potential dangers when working with hazardous materials or in unsafe conditions. Available for a wide range of next-generation Cat dozers, wheel loaders and excavators, it also makes jobs like dozing and grading safer for operators without sacrificing control or accuracy. The control layout is intuitive and easy to use, so operators can get up to speed and get to work quickly. “Visitors to bauma will get the opportunity to test it out live on some of our machines,” says Claude.

Meanwhile, the expanded Cat Detect Portfolio, including People Detection, Seatbelt Monitoring, Driver Safety System, and Motion Inhibit, will also be demonstrated to show how technologies can maximise safety and performance. These insights will be introduced over time into the VisionLink platform.

By improving operator awareness of the work environment, Cat Detect technology helps make your site safer during the working day. That not only means fewer accidents and injuries—it also means less money spent on lost personnel time, equipment damage and lost production.

Aftermarket Solutions

At bauma, Caterpillar will also highlight its integrated aftermarket solutions. Comments Aftermarket Sales Manager for Europe, Giovana Foerster: “We will be demonstrating that the customer is at the centre of everything we do.

“For example, those who have a Customer Value Agreement can take advantage of our Service Commitment Programme which guarantees next day maintenance and second day common repair parts availability. If parts are not available or delivered within the promised timeframe, customers will be reimbursed for the value of the late part up to a specific amount, depending on the country/ dealer. In addition, on offer is a second day technician response time to fix unplanned repairs to make sure the machine is up and running in no time. Services Commitment is already available in certain countries, and at bauma 2025, it’ll be officially launched in Germany.”

Another valuable aftermarket solution is the Cat Certified Rebuild Programme under which end-of-life machines or components can be restored to like-new condition by skilled dealer technicians, who can also provide support beyond the standard machine warranty with Equipment Protection Plans and financing solutions.

During our visit to Malaga, we were shown a 980M Cat Certified Rebuilt 980M which had been working in quarries for 15,000 hours prior to being rebuilt. At bauma, Caterpillar and Zeppelin will showcase a Cat D6T rebuild, demonstrating that Cat machines and components are built to be rebuilt, allowing the machine to have a 2nd and 3rd life, maximizing investment and reducing owning and operating costs. This area at the Caterpillar / Zeppelin stand will also highlight key benefits of Reman, Cat technology solutions for efficiency, and their sustainability commitment.

Yes, Caterpillar has come a long way over the last century. “Our success over the last 100 years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees, the continued trust of our customers and the support of our dealers and business partners,” said Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Jim Umpleby in a recent release. “I am proud to lead such a strong team, and I’m confident Caterpillar will continue to help our customers build a better, more sustainable world over the next 100 years.”

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