Awesome Earthmovers Visits Century of Caterpillar Event in Iowa
Billed as a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of 100 years of Caterpillar in the earthmoving industry, the Century of Caterpillar event drew thousands of enthusiasts to Elkader, Iowa, including Awesome Earthmovers. Held by The Earthmoving Legacy Center on the edge of town, and closely tied to CJ Moyna & Sons and Mobile Track Solutions, the latter hosted the three-day extravaganza at its manufacturing facility. The itinerary included live equipment demonstrations, kids’ activities, restoration reveals from the Legacy Center, talks by industry experts, and a huge static display of Cat machinery.
The Earthmoving Legacy Center itself is a 38,000 sq ft museum and educational facility dedicated to preserving the evolution of earthmoving machinery. Its collection spans the 1880s to the 1940s, with a strong focus on early track-type equipment from Holt, C.L. Best and the earliest Caterpillar models. Founded by John Patrick Moyna of C.J. Moyna & Sons, the centre brings together a significant private collection supported by lenders from across the US. Inside, visitors explore early implements, horse-drawn graders, steam and gas machines, and early diesel equipment that chart the rise of mechanised construction.
Founded in 1925 through the merger of rivals Holt Manufacturing Company and C.L. Best Tractor Co., Caterpillar’s story is rooted in innovation. Benjamin Holt’s 1904 continuous-track system revolutionised off-road traction, while C.L. Best refined reliability and performance. Their merger created the Caterpillar Tractor Co., which soon became a driving force in global mechanised earthmoving, from roads and agriculture to military support during World War II. Over the following century, Caterpillar expanded into mining, construction, energy and power systems, evolving into a global industrial giant with advanced diesel technology, autonomous haulage, connected fleet management and a renewed focus on sustainability.
For many visitors, the highlight of the event was the live demonstrations, featuring a restored Cat 666 and Cat 660 scraper. The twin-engine Cat 666 was one of the most formidable earthmoving machines of the 1960s and ’70s, built for high-volume haulage on major infrastructure and mining projects. The slightly smaller Cat 660, paired with a 650 scraper pan, offered similar versatility with a lighter footprint. Unfortunately, the 666 encountered issues on the day and only made several passes around the field.
Another rare piece in action was the DD9, an experimental double-ended dozer created by joining two D9 tractors back-to-back. First conceived by Buster Peterson in 1965, the concept delivered immense pushing power through two engines and a single operator station. Caterpillar later acquired the design and produced DD9H and DD9L variants. Though never mass-produced, the DD9 remains a legendary example of Caterpillar’s engineering ambition.
Across the site, dozens of antique and modern Cat machines filled indoor and outdoor display areas, including snow-pusher conversions, Cat 657 scrapers old and new, a Cat 395 excavator, MTS scrapers and a pair of Cat DW6s, early high-speed tractor-based scrapers once popular in sugarcane regions.
The Earthmoving Legacy Center delivered an exceptional tribute to 100 years of the world’s most influential earthmoving brand. None of us will be here for the bicentennial; but Caterpillar almost certainly will.
From Harry Hunter – Awesome Earthmovers Magazine Editor
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