Holt crawler tractor at Chena Hot Springs
Here is a Holt 5-ton tractor, probably dating from about 1924. Holt Manufacturing is credited with developing the first practical crawler-type tractor in 1904. The company named its creation the “Caterpillar” tractor. Holt merged with Best Gas Traction Company in 1925 to form Caterpillar.
My grandfather, John "Jack" Sayers was responsible for purchasing, operating and repairing the first Holt Tractor / Caterpillar in Fairbanks. Joanie Skilbred in Fairbanks just sent me an article about the tractor and my grandfather. You should contact her.
I live in Northern California and just returned from Fairbanks where I met Dermot Cole as well.
Dear Mr Ray Bonnell – Thank you for this nice presentation of this Alaska Caterpillar ! – I created a link by http://www.bluetractors.nl / galleries to your beautiful site – Kindest regards – Peter