HOLT CAT posted on March 24, 2025 19:37
HOLT CAT and Holt family deeply woven into Caterpillar’s history
On Friday, March 21, HOLT CAT celebrated Caterpillar’s 100th anniversary with special edition centennial machinery, honoring a century of innovation and leadership. The limited-edition gray machines pay tribute to the enduring legacy of the Caterpillar tractor and Benjamin Holt. The milestone celebration honored HOLT CAT’s commitment to progress, partnership, and excellence while marking a century of Caterpillar’s innovation, legacy, and industry leadership shaping the future of heavy equipment.
1925 HOLT 10-ton tractor, and a 2025 Centennial D3 Dozer
On display at the event were two machines: a 1925 HOLT 10-ton tractor, and a 2025 Centennial D3 Dozer. Produced from 1919-1925, the faster and more powerful 10-ton tractor was the companion and eventual replacement for the Holt 45 model. Maximum engine horsepower was 55hp with a top speed of 6mph. In 1925, the HOLT 10-ton tractor was among the biggest pieces of machinery produced by Caterpillar. Today, the 2025 D3 Dozer is among the smallest with 104hp, and weighing only 3 tons. While both machines appear similar in size, they differ greatly in weight—a testament to a century of innovation—yet the fabric of their DNA remains unmistakably shared.
From left to right: Judge Peter Sakai, Corinna Holt Richter, Herwig Peschl and Peter J. Holt
The machines sold around the world today can trace their beginnings to Benjamin Holt’s inventions. His vision of powerful and efficient equipment laid the foundation for modern machinery used in agriculture, construction, and defense. For more than a century, the Holt name has been connected to heavy equipment innovation and Caterpillar. HOLT CAT owners Peter J. Holt and Corinna Holt Richter are direct descendants of Benjamin Holt, who revolutionized the industry in 1904 by developing the first successful track-type tractor—an innovation that would later bear the name “Caterpillar.”
This milestone celebration honors HOLT CAT’s commitment to progress, partnership, and excellence while marking a century of Caterpillar’s innovation, legacy, and industry leadership shaping the future of heavy equipment.
The machines shaping our communities, neighborhoods, schools, and roads are all possible because of the Holt family’s commitment to innovation and the ongoing contributions of Caterpillar. The event highlighted HOLT CAT’s commitment to progress, partnership, and excellence in shaping the future of heavy equipment, and was attended by executives from Caterpillar and HOLT Group.
Speakers included:
Peter J. Holt, CEO & General Manager, HOLT Group
Corinna Holt Richter, President and Chief Administrative Officer, HOLT Group
Peter Sakai, Bexar County Judge
Herwig Peschl, Senior Vice President, Caterpillar Inc.