Home > Arts > Artists > R > David Roberts
Caterpillar track steam engine by R. Hornsby & Sons
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Caterpillar track steam engine by R. Hornsby & Sons
The first and original Caterpillar or walking engine made by R. Hornsby & Sons of Grantham. R. Hornsby & Sons grew into a major manufacturer of agricultural machinery, at their Spittle Gate Works. The firm went on to produce steam engines used to drive threshing machines and other equipment such as traction engines; their portable steam engine was one of their most important products and the market leader. Later a chain-track was added to an oil-engined tractor: the caterpillar track; these were developed and patented by Hornsbys chief engineer (and managing director), David Roberts, from July 1904. These were first used on tractors which served with the British Army towing artillery from 1910, but were later fitted to tanks which were used in the First World War from 1916. In 1909, a development model called the Little Caterpillar was demonstrated to the War Office. The army officers present at the demonstration believed it would frighten the horses
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 4436631
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10282530
Agricultural Caterpillar Chain Engines Hornsby Machinery Motion Sons Track Tracked Traction Tractor
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> E
> David Evans
> Arts
> Artists
> R
> David Roberts
> Historic
> World War I and II
> Generals and leaders
> Historic
> World War I and II
> Military equipment
> Historic
> World War I and II
> Tanks and armored vehicles
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph showcases the first and original Caterpillar or walking engine, manufactured by R. Hornsby & Sons of Grantham in 1899. At the time, R. Hornsby & Sons was a leading manufacturer of agricultural machinery, producing steam engines to power threshing machines and other equipment. One of their most significant innovations was the portable steam engine, which became the market leader. In July 1904, Hornsby's chief engineer and managing director, David Roberts, developed and patented the caterpillar track. Initially, these tracks were added to oil-engined tractors, but their use expanded to military applications. In 1910, caterpillar-tracked tractors were employed by the British Army to tow artillery, and later, from 1916, they were fitted to tanks during the First World War. The photograph captures the essence of this pioneering engineering achievement. The Caterpillar engine, with its distinctive tracks, represents a significant turning point in transportation technology, paving the way for the development of modern tracked vehicles. The innovation and ingenuity of R. Hornsby & Sons, as demonstrated in this photograph, continue to inspire and influence the engineering industry to this day.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.