Caterpillar Tractors: The Best of BEST and HOLT

During the 1890's Benjamin Holt and Daniel Best both were working on their individual steam tractors for use in farming. They were separate companies. Holt's first steam track-type tractor was introduced in 1904. In 1906 he produced his first gas track-type tractor. In 1925 the companies merged to form the Caterpillar Tractor Co.  In 1931 the first Diesel Sixty rolled off the assembly line in East Peoria. Caterpillar tractors played an important role in both wars assuring the movement of men and materials.

Here are some ads:

First, a 1921 BEST Tractor:

Some Caterpillar Models:

1920

1925 ad noting the merger:

The 1931: