The Machines That Built America: Benjamin Holt's Tractor Revolutionizes the World (S1) | History

During the Industrial Revolution, Benjamin Holt saw an opportunity for steam-powered equipment that would soon revolutionize mobility in the farming industry forever, in this clip from Season 1, "Tractor Revolution."

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[StonesAndSand]

7:10 No truer words have ever been spoken.

[Joe-yrem]

I love this! History Channel going back to its roots

[StonesAndSand]

Anyone who has spent years toiling away at an invention surely knows how this man struggled. It's one thing to celebrate major breakthroughs that eventually go on to become household names. But it's quite a different story when everything you own (including your own good reputation) is at risk daily, and you don't know where you're next dime will come from.

[gford]

Then out of nowhere a deer comes running lol

[stephenbachman]

Why do amazing inavators like this man get forgotten.

[StonesAndSand]

I just came in from the shop tonight after a long day of setbacks. And to be honest, it's actually been a very long three years of setbacks. In case you think those old-time inventors disappeared into the pages of history, think again. We're still alive and well. This was a very much needed shot of encouragement. Thank You!

[mfranzusan]

Umm, there's another part to this story. Holt did indeed badge his crawler tractors "Caterpillar" but it wasn't until after a series of lawsuits on patent infringement and intellectual property with the Best Tractor Company forced a merger between the two companies to create Caterpillar Equipment

[dplant]

Hi, Folks.
Quote:
"The only problem: Benjamin Holt had never built one before."
Unquote.

Is he the ONLY person ever to have faced this problem?

Nope.

That same problem has been faced AND overcome by EVERY person who has ever been the first person to do something.

But I do owe him a vote of thanks 'coz the machines that grew out of his inventiveness kept me in work for nearly sixty years.

Just my 0.02.

You all have a wonderful day. Best wishes. Deas Plant.

[terryharper]

Actually the credit for the first successful crawler tracks goes to Alvin Lombard of Waterville, Maine who filed for a patent (674, 737) in November of 1900 (granted May 21, 1901) and began offering his steam log hauler the following year. It was a machine built to his 1905 patent and sold to a lumber company in Montana that the Holt saw and influenced his developments. The last steam powered Lombard log hauler was built in 1917. In 1909 Lombard developed a gas powered machine with the last one being built in 1936. Lombard was part of the Equity suit filed by C.L. Best against Holt alleging infringement on Lombard's patents which Best had purchased the rights too. After many years the parties settled out of court with Lombard receiving monetary compensation. If you do a search for "Lombard Log Hauler" or "Lombard Tractor" you will find quite a number of videos showing these remarkable machines in operation.

[alexsale]

I love how the guy comes in and says it's all your fault the tractor is sinking. Well if I bought a new f250 and went off roading and got stuck. Would it be fords fault?

[Largetalons]

Had this show recorded on my dvr and then it died.☹

[cdp]

Guaranteed that dude didn’t know anything about the early ag equipment.. lol

[matthewporrini]

This is how the construction company Caterpillar started

[HenryTheBoilermakerrdYear]

Glad to own and currently use a CAT steel cap boot.

[Senkinoo]

Once again we have this mishmash of conventional opinions - Like asserting - oh they had to come up with tractors because all the people were going to the in 1883?? That's not true until the 30s and then that is largely because increased machinery reduced the need for as much farm labor - In other words its the complete opposite, in the 1880s pioneers were still settling the frontier and civilizing this land by their own blood sweat and tears.

[rtazman]

That is sp awesome really I love it I live only 32 miles probably from there where I believe it's the original Network started from it's right off of Charter Way in Stockton California it is called Holt Brothers. Oh not to mention I am aRetired Mechanic and my Dad was a Mechanic and now one of my Son's is a Mechanic.

[adolfojuarez]

Holt wouldn't let go of his vision and dream

[shanecarubbi]

That's pretty cool, I wonder if Holt av. In pomona Ca. Is named after Mr. Holt.

[lucmarchand]

Caterpillar never stop in research I saw myself in coal british columbia, tarsand alberta, iron ore newfoundland and military.nobody spend so much on new design for long run built like caterpillar.

[ss-pwzj]

So I’m confused what was different in the end to I guess fix the issue with getting stuck in mud and make it look like a caterpillar.