Page 6 - Fall 2019 Travelore

Page 6 - DRVC Travelore
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Diesel Engines, Caterpillar, and Cummins
facturing Company and C. L. Best Tractor Company came together to form a single company using a name that origi- nated years earlier. In the early 1900s, seeking a way to improve the mobility and traction of his company’s steam tractors, Benjamin Holt replaced the wheels with wooden tracks bolted to chains. The innovation worked so well that someone remarked that the machine crawled along much like a caterpillar. Holt agreed, and called the machine “Caterpillar,” a name he trademarked in 1910 almost simultaneously with the application for a patent. In 1986 the company officially changed the name from Caterpillar Tractor Company to Caterpillar, Inc.
Benjamin Holt was instrumental in the development of the industrial tractor well before the official launch of Cat- erpillar. After the formation of the new company, Caterpil- lar machines played a significant role in the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Grand Coulee Dam, and the Mississippi Levee construction project. Caterpillar heavy equipment supported U.S. military efforts during World War II, and the company was able to ramp up its stateside production to manufacture more than 51,000 track-type military tractors as well as diesel engines for the Sherman (M4) tank.
At first, the company depended on gasoline engines. Soon after the merger, CAT started building diesel engines in
Caterpillar vs. Cummins
The discussion of which engine is better has no well- defined answer. Caterpillar and Cummins are two of the most respected and recognized companies in the diesel engine industry. Cummins, however, does hold more pat- ents on diesel technology than does Caterpillar.
Known for their vibrant yellow, CAT has been a staple name in the construction business. Another product they are known for manufacturing are diesel engines. The Cat- erpillar is seen not only in the construction industry, but also in agriculture, recreational, industrial, and forestry. And, who hasn’t seen a large engine mated to an electric generator to provide stand-by power at hospitals. Their
ThFeigCuarter2pillar Fifteen was built in the early 1930’s. CAT survived the depression by shipping many of it’s “crawlers” (as they were called) to foreign countries.
engines are versatile and economically sound, with lines of ACERT (Advanced Combustion Emissions Reduction Tech- nology) engines introduced by Caterpillar over the last 15 years. One must remember, however, that Caterpillar’s primary business is in building all types of heavy equip- ment powered by their own engines.
Often with unique design and powerful yet efficient capa- bilities, Cummins engines have been used in nearly every type of vehicle, whether it be trucks, semis, motorhomes, or construction equipment. Their engines are versatile, offering options for customers. They have been an estab- lished name in the marine engine industry since 1919. Cummins engines are as powerful as they are versatile.
Which Diesel Engine Is Better ?
When choosing between a Caterpillar or Cummins engine, the final decision relies solely on the customer and their personal preferences. Each company has been an estab- lished name in the diesel engine industry for decades. As to the RV industry, Cummins is almost alone in serving the market. In reality, both Cummins and Caterpillar are the gold standard of diesel engines.
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Compiled and edited by Byron Songer using source material from Caterpillar, Cummins, and Young & Sons (a family owned company which has been rebuilding Diesel engines for nearly 75 years.)
Figure 1
the 1930s. Today, the company continues as the world’s largest manufacturer of heavy industrial equipment. In addition to building heavy equipment, a few years ago CAT started licensing it’s name to a line of work clothing.