Who made the first track tractor?
Benjamin Holt
Benjamin Holt was an interesting character who was fascinated by the innovative machines of his day. An inventor himself, Holt owned over 45 different patents, but his greatest invention was the first commercially successfully track-type tractor—still a part of Caterpillar’s product line today.
Who is the CEO of Caterpillar Inc?
Jim Umpleby (Jan 1, 2017–)
Caterpillar Inc./CEO
What is the oldest tractor manufacturer?
The first tractor for which records survive was built in 1889 by the Charter Gas Engine Co, owned by John Charter. His first design used the wheels and transmission from a steam traction engine, powered by a single-cylinder Otto petrol engine.
How old is umpleby?
About 63 years (1958)
Jim Umpleby/Age
What is a Kettenkraftrad HK 101?
The Kettenkraftrad, type HK 101 is one of the most unique vehicles developed during the Second World War. The “tracked motorcycle” concept was conceived and patented by a German inventor, Heinrich Ernst Kniepkamp, in June of 1939. This was in response to a request for a fast, tracked vehicle capable of moving small loads in mountainous terrain.
What kind of engine does a Kettenkrad have?
The Kettenkrad had a tremendous grip, due to its tracks system, and often was seen climbing a 25 degree or more sloping ground. It has a watercooled Opel four cylinder in-line engine with (OHV), with a compression ratio of 6:1, a three speed (one reverse) gearbox, and a SOLEX Off-road carburettor type 32 FJ-II.
What was a Kettenkrad used for?
The Kettenkrad was not armed, although they were sometimes used to carry an infantryman equipped with an MG 34 or MG 42 machine-gun, acting as a harassing vehicle. The Kettenkrad was used by the Africa Korps, in Italy, France, in any weather and on all kind of terrains.
How does the Kettenkrad steer?
Steering the Kettenkrad was accomplished by turning the handlebars: Up to a certain point, only the front wheel would steer the vehicle. A motion of the handlebars beyond that point would engage the track brakes to help make turns sharper.