Holt crawler tractor at Chena Hot Springs
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.sketchesofalaska.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/holtcat-1.jpg?resize=320%2C240&ssl=1)
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.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.sketchesofalaska.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/holtcat-2.jpg?resize=240%2C320&ssl=1)
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