The Machines
LeTourneau Online Museum
Page 1

R.G. at the controls of a "trade show" display of his electric wheel. R.G. at the controls of a "trade show" display of his electric wheel.
His Stockton, California manufacturing plant, 1930-1940. For many years Stockton was the Earthmoving capital of the world, with both LeTourneau and Caterpillar originating there. His Stockton, California manufacturing plant, 1930-1940. For many years Stockton was the Earthmoving capital of the world, with both LeTourneau and Caterpillar originating there.
The first machine to "pick up and carry" dirt, not just "push it around." The first machine to "pick up and carry" dirt, not just push it around."
Photo of earliest scraper Photo of earliest scraper
LeTourneau pushed earthmoving technology far beyond the "crawler tractor with steel wheels" era to rubber-tired, two-wheeled tractors and scrapers. An early "Turnapull," pulling with front drive wheels, with a load of dirt LeTourneau pushed earthmoving technology far beyond the "crawler tractor with steel wheels" era to rubber-tired, two-wheeled tractors and scrapers. An early "Turnapull," pulling with front drive wheels, with a load of dirt.
R.G (left) with 1,000th model "C" Turnapull produced during World War II. R.G (left) with 1,000th model "C" Turnapull produced during World War II.
Called the "engineers war," World War II brought unprecedented activity to LeTourneau's plants. Some 70% of all heavy earthmovers used in the war were manufactured by LeTourneau plants. An "LS" tractor drawn scraper, the standard earthmovers in World War II. Called the "engineers war," World War II brought unprecedented activity to LeTourneau's plants. Some 70% of all heavy earthmovers used in the war were manufactured by LeTourneau plants. An "LS" tractor drawn scraper, the standard earthmovers in World War II.