Edson R. McCord

Caterpillar, Retired Electric Drive Truck Expert

2023 Medal of Merit Recipient

Edson R. McCord was born and raised in Rhinebeck, New York where he first became interested in earthmoving machinery. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the California Institute of Technology in 1971 and pursued a Master of Science degree from New York University School of Engineering before going to work for International Harvester in 1973. He also was awarded an honorary Ph.D. in Engineering Technology from the Wentworth Institute of Technology.

For the next 20 years, McCord was actively engaged in the development, sales, marketing and manufacturing of construction equipment. This included seven years in France where he managed Dresser Industries’ subsidiary for design, manufacturing and support of hydraulic excavators.

McCord’s mining career began in 1994 when he was appointed president of Komatsu’s Haulpak division in Peoria, Illinois.  Komatsu’s position as the leading supplier of electric drive mining trucks was strengthened through the development of new 200 and 240-ton trucks as well as the introduction of the 930E, the world’s largest truck at 320 tons and the first AC drive truck. To this day, the 930 is the market leader in the 320-ton class. He was also instrumental in Komatsu’s leadership position in trolly assist systems and was an early proponent of autonomous haulage.

In 2004, McCord joined Caterpillar to lead their mining truck business and develop electric drive trucks to complement Caterpillar’s mechanical drive product line. During his 10 years at Caterpillar, new mechanical drive models were introduced in the 150, 200, 240 and 400-ton classes along with 320 and 345 electric drive models. He was also responsible for Caterpillar’s trolley assist program, LNG alternatives to diesel power and Caterpillar’s autonomous haulage system program.

Upon retirement in 2014, McCord was Director, Surface Extraction and Haulage with responsibility for Caterpillar’s hydraulic mining shovels, electric rope shovels, draglines and trucks from 35 ton to 400 tons.

He and his wife, Anne, reside in Burlington, Wisconsin where he spends his time pursuing his hobbies of British sports cars and vintage automobile racing.

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