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R. G. LeTourneau
American inventor, philanthropist, and businessman (1888–1969)
R. G. LeTourneau
Robert Gilmour LeTourneau (; November 30, 1888 – June 1, 1969) was an American inventor, businessman, and philanthropist known for the development and manufacture of earthmoving equipment. He began working as a land-leveling contractor in 1920, established an engineering workshop the following year, and incorporated R. G. LeTourneau, Inc. in 1929. In 1933, he left contracting to concentrate on manufacturing earthmoving machinery. LeTourneau developed or helped introduce several important technologies for earthmoving machinery, including scraper equipment operated by a single power-control unit, large low-pressure rubber tires, electric motors mounted at the driving wheels, and the two-wheeled Tournapull tractor unit. In 1953, he sold his earthmoving equipment line, including its plants and machinery, to the Westinghouse Air Brake Company for $31 million. A devout Christian, LeTourneau gave much of his wealth and time to religious and educational causes. He and his wife, Evelyn, established...
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