Competition winner

Congratulations to Jose Ventocilla of the Panama Canal Authority, who was chosen at random from hundreds of correct entries in our competition to win a copy of Caterpillar Modern Earthmoving Marvels. Most got the question right, but for those that didn’t the D7E is a model of Caterpillar dozer.

Written by Frank Raczon and Keith Haddock, this beautifully produced 224-page hard-back book charts the development of some of the most widely used and successful construction machines in the world. Although it focuses on the machines, the book also provides a historic perspective on Caterpillar the company, in the sense that it highlights how the corporation has developed over the decades with the addition of new machines to its range.

There is certainly a focus on the ‘big boys’ toys’ end of the Caterpillar range, with about three quarters of the book dedicated to bigger machines like dozers, scrapers, loaders, excavators and trucks. But there is also space for chapters on backhoe loaders, skid-steer and compact tracked loaders. Again these are approached from a historical perspective, discussing how early models have developed into the modern machines of today.

It has to be said that Caterpillar Modern Earthmoving Marvels is an exquisitely and thoughtfully produced book on heavy gloss paper, with large photos on almost every page and the text presented in a big-ish and read-able font.

Thanks to everyone who entered the competition. The book is available to buy from Amazon, among other retailers.