When I was at Ziegler Caterpillars headquarters back in December, I took pictures of these two antiques they have sitting in the main entrance. Ziegler President Bill Hoeft has quite the collection of old Cats.






Here's another piece of his collection I got to see in person back in 2001 or so. Anyone recognize what it is?

"Neil" wrote:

That looks like a prototype for the rubber tracked machines. Was it his own build or one from Cat?

That is the last remaining prototype from Cat. The first one was destroyed and he bought this one from the proving grounds before they cut it up.

You should have wandered out back in bloomington there is a rd6 and 30 that was donated from a ZRC facility contractor. That prototype with the rubber belts is in Billys private collection. Thank Bart for that piece.

You got to go in the special shed? My buddy doesn't even have the key for that!

"doylex" wrote:

You should have wandered out back in bloomington there is a rd6 and 30 that was donated from a ZRC facility contractor. That prototype with the rubber belts is in Billys private collection. Thank Bart for that piece.

You got to go in the special shed? My buddy doesn't even have the key for that!

I actually was out back and saw those two siting, but I didn't take pictures of those. Bill actually took us back through his private collection. I took a whole bunch of pictures back then but they are kind of dark. He certainly has a lot of nice cats in that shed.

Did you happen to get the serial number of the Best 30 ?
Roby Whitehead

"Texasbest" wrote:

Did you happen to get the serial number of the Best 30 ?
Roby Whitehead

No I didn't. Sorry.

The Best 30 came from Jerry Gast's widow after Jerry died. As I recall Ziegler bought all of Jerry's tractors that were finished when he died including 2 Best 30's and a 60.

A few years ago Zieglar rebuilt a CAT 60 for an anniversary. Some of our Chapter 3 folks helped them source parts and provided technical information. That machine sat outside at their Bloomington MN facility for a while.

biggastractor

"biggastractor" wrote:

A few years ago Zieglar rebuilt a CAT 60 for an anniversary. Some of our Chapter 3 folks helped them source parts and provided technical information. That machine sat outside at their Bloomington MN facility for a while.

biggastractor

We are going to have to see if Chapter 3 can get a tour for a club meeting. Dan, are you reading?