We can travel in time! You want to know how Caterpillar construction machines looked like back in the “wild” 1970s and 80s? Then have a look at our picture slide show with Caterpillar construction machines then and now!
Right: Caterpillar 313F hydraulic excavator, 2016 © Caterpillar Inc.
Left: At bauma 1973, Caterpillar presented its first track excavator.
Right: With the introduction of the 313F, 315F, 316F and 318F hydraulic excavators, Caterpillar completes its range of crawler excavators in weight classes 11 to 90 tons. The first hydraulic excavators came onto the market in the 1950s/60s.
Right: Caterpillar dozer D8T, 2019/2020 © Caterpillar Inc.
Left: The D10, the first Caterpillar dozer with delta drive, launched in 1977. The delta drive is particularly suitable for working on uneven ground, as the drive wheel is located at the top, allowing it to respond optimally to different lengths. Caterpillar experimented with the new design for around 10 years before venturing onto construction sites. Despite fierce counter-arguments from competitors, the design established itself very successfully worldwide, and the larger Caterpillar dozers are still equipped with these drives to this day.
Right: The Caterpillar dozer D8T increases the productivity by up to 18% without using more fuel. A fully automatic 4-speed transmission and a selection of factory-integrated GRADE technologies make it easier for both experienced and less experienced drivers to achieve optimal productivity and efficiency.
Right: Caterpillar M314 mobile excavator, 2019/2020 © Caterpillar Inc.
Left: The first Zeppelin mobile excavators were not produced by Caterpillar, but by „Sennebogen“, a mechanical engineering company from Straubing (Germany) in the 1980s. At that time, mobile excavators were only in demand in Germany, and Caterpillar was more focussed on the world market. The cooperation between Zeppelin and “Sennebogen” lasted between the 1980s and late 1990s and ended with the launch of Caterpillar’s compact construction machines in 1997/1998.
Right: Working hard has never been easier than with the Caterpillar F-series mobile excavator. Drivers enjoy the versatility by integrated solutions and technologies that do repetitive tasks. These machines are designed to help with the multitude of daily challenges and at a low cost.
Right: Caterpillar 300.9D mini excavator, 2019/2020 © Caterpillar Inc.
Left: Zeppelin’s first compact construction machines. The mini excavators were produced by „Macmoter“ (Italy). Later also excavators by „Schaeff“ from Crailsheim (Germany) were brought onto the market in the 1980s. The cooperation between Zeppelin and both companies started in the 1980s and continued through the 1990s. It ended with the launch of Caterpillar’s compact construction machines in the late 1990s.
Right: The Caterpillar 300.9D mini excavator is compact, powerful, and can be used in tight spaces. It also fits through narrow door openings, making it ideal for indoor demolition work.
Further information:
1930-2020: Zeppelin & Caterpillar – Then and Now
1950-2020: WE love Caterpillar construction machines!
1994: Zeppelin and Caterpillar celebrate 40 years of successful partnership: a movie
1925: American Pioneering Spirit – how Caterpillar started out