Logan Voss
If you’ve ever been near a construction site, you’ve probably seen that iconic yellow that we associate with Caterpillar. The company has been around for over a hundred years and has a sterling reputation for being strong, reliable machines around the world. However, there’s a lot more to this company than just making big industrial equipment, and we’ve got five interesting facts about Caterpillar machinery that may surprise you.
1. The Founder Hated the Name
One of the founders of Caterpillar, Benjamin Holt, is responsible for installing the first set of treads onto their machines. At a demonstration, a company photographer pointed out that the moving treads looked like a caterpillar. Holt hated the word being associated with his machines and, at one point, called his devices “mud turtles.” However, “Caterpillar” caught on, and in just a few years, Holt was on board with the brand name.
2. Caterpillar Makes Phones
While most of us know Caterpillar for its heavy industrial equipment, one interesting fact about Caterpillar machinery is that it broke out into the smartphone game. Their most popular model, the Cat S60, is one of the most durable and waterproof smartphones on the market. Cat phones run on the Android operating system.
3. Caterpillar Owns Their Iconic Yellow
You can recognize a Caterpillar bulldozer or machine just by its classic shade of yellow—you don’t even have to see the logo. Aside from their brand name and logo, Caterpillar owns a legally registered trademark for that exact color of yellow, and anyone else who wants to use it must pay the company royalties.
4. Caterpillar Aims To Be Environmentally Friendly
Despite their large machines that seem to put out a lot of exhaust fumes, one of the largest advantages of Caterpillar engines is that they aim to create a greener product. Caterpillar is a long-standing member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and is aiming to reduce emissions by 30 percent by 2030.
5. Caterpillar Operates Around the Globe
While many countries have their own manufacturing plants and companies that focus on construction or agricultural equipment, Caterpillar remains the largest in the world. Currently, over 190 countries work with Caterpillar, making them a widespread giant in the industry.
