Crawler Tractor - Caterpillar D8, with blade
Country
USA
State/Province
Illinois
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Object detail
Description
A 1930s Caterpillar crawler tractor model D8 with a six cylinder diesel engine. The tractor and tread are painted yellow with black logo, black lever handles and a black seat. It is fitted with an original 1930s Le Tourneau blade that was used on the Heifer Creek cutting. The blade is attached with an overhead winch and blade rope.
Classification
RURAL INDUSTRY Farm Machinery tractor
CONSTRUCTION Crawler tractor
CONSTRUCTION Crawler tractor
Production place
Measurements
L5832 x W3859mm
Weight 24342kg
Bore 146.05mm
Stroke 203.2mm
RPM 1200
Drawbar 98 HP
Belt 113 HP
Weight 24342kg
Bore 146.05mm
Stroke 203.2mm
RPM 1200
Drawbar 98 HP
Belt 113 HP
Media/Materials description
Steel
Vinyl
Paint
Rubber
Plastic
Glass
Vinyl
Paint
Rubber
Plastic
Glass
Signature/Marks
CATERPILLAR \ REG US PAT OFF
CATERPILLAR \ REG US PAT OFF
CATERPILLAR
CAT \ D8
CATERPILLAR
THIESS
CATERPILLAR \ REG US PAT OFF
CATERPILLAR
CAT \ D8
CATERPILLAR
THIESS
History and use
This is a Caterpillar D8 crawler tractor 1H series. This tractor cannot be dated to a specific year as the serial number is not visible, most probably concealed by the overhead winch for the bulldozer blade. However, it is most likely a 1H series which were manufactured from 1937 to 1941. The D8 model (1H) series was based on the earlier diesel Seventy Five crawler tractor. It was a massive size and built for brute strength. The D8 became the symbol of heavy construction worldwide. The D8 was first produced in 1935 (badged the RD8) and would become one of the most famous designs and would symbolise the Caterpillar tractor.
Friends of Bert Thiess gave this crawler tractor, with LeTourneau bulldozer blade attachment, to Bert as a birthday present on his 90th birthday. They sourced a D8 of the same model that Thiess Bros had owned and used in the 1930s and the original blade that was used at a significant job undertaken by the Thiess Bros in 1940. The job was to create a cutting at Heifer Creek for a new road from Gatton to Warwick. Bert was the main tractor operator on this job and it was a testament to his skill that they completed the job in 6 months. The D8 and blade were both restored to approximately original condition.
Friends of Bert Thiess gave this crawler tractor, with LeTourneau bulldozer blade attachment, to Bert as a birthday present on his 90th birthday. They sourced a D8 of the same model that Thiess Bros had owned and used in the 1930s and the original blade that was used at a significant job undertaken by the Thiess Bros in 1940. The job was to create a cutting at Heifer Creek for a new road from Gatton to Warwick. Bert was the main tractor operator on this job and it was a testament to his skill that they completed the job in 6 months. The D8 and blade were both restored to approximately original condition.
Associated person
Registration number
R6637
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