Caterpillar, an American diversified manufacturer of specialty equipment, demonstrates its rich history and professional characteristics. The brand name is a tribute to the first crawler tractor, and the CAT logo represents a commitment to minimalism and modern technology.
CAT (Caterpillar): Brand overview
CAT is an acronym for Caterpillar, a company specializing in manufacturing power plants, diesel engines, construction equipment, and various types of earthmoving and transport equipment. In 1904, caterpillar tractors were produced under the Caterpillar brand. The company of the same name was founded in 1925.
Meaning and History
There are eight variants of the CAT logo, having only minor differences. The shape of the letters and additional mini-inscriptions change.
What is CAT (Caterpillar)?
CAT (Caterpillar) is an American brand of construction equipment, machinery, rugged cell phones, work boots, and uniforms. CAT also provides financing and insurance services.
1925 – 1931
The first company logo was the wavy word “CATERPILLAR.” It is believed that its shape symbolizes the tractor track. This assumption is confirmed by small serifs located under each sign. The black version of the emblem looks minimalistic. The red color is complemented by uneven gray contours and the words “REG. U. S.” “PAT. OFF.”.
1931 – 1932
In 1931, the designers changed the typeface, making it more austere. Rounded lines and rectangular serifs catch the eye. At the bottom are the thin, light gray phrases “REG. U. S.,” “PAT. OFF.” and “MADE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The main color is red.
1932 – 1939
The emblem became black. The shape of the letters did not change.
1939 – 1941
The bold dots at the ends of the letter “r” disappeared. The strokes became wider and longer. Instead of the inscription “MADE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” its abbreviated version is used: “MADE IN U.S.A..”
1941 – 1957
The typeface changed again. The letters became elongated and symmetrical. The distance between the letters was increased.
1957 – 1967
The distance between characters decreased again. More right angles and wider lines appeared. The additional lettering below “CATERPILLAR” disappeared.
1967 – 1989
The letters became less bold. On the left is the graphic mark: a black square with a white circle divided into three segments.
1989 – today
The artists removed the miniature square and replaced it with a large yellow triangle in front of “CAT.”
Font and Colors
The current company logo has a rectangular shape. Inside the black geometric figure are the white letters “C,” “A,” and “T”. In the foreground is a yellow isosceles triangle with a dark outline. CAT is an abbreviation of the full name of the company Caterpillar.
The word “CATERPILLAR” is written in a strict rectangular font of the Helvetica family. It is most likely either Helvetica Compressed or Helvetica Inserat Roman. Both fonts are sans serif and have uniform strokes of equal thickness.
The bright yellow hue complements the black-and-white color scheme. This palette is characteristic of the last CAT logo, adopted in 1989. Prior to that, there were monochrome emblems in which the white color was combined with black or red.
CAT (Caterpillar) color codes
Mikado Yellow | Hex color: | #ffc500 |
---|---|---|
RGB: | 255 197 0 | |
CMYK: | 0 23 100 0 | |
Pantone: | PMS 7549 C |
Black | Hex color: | #000000 |
---|---|---|
RGB: | 0 0 0 | |
CMYK: | 0 0 0 100 | |
Pantone: | PMS Process Black C |
FAQ
What does the emblem Caterpillar mean?
The word CATERPILLAR on the emblem means an American corporation. The yellow triangle in front of CAT is used as a decorative element. It conveys dynamics symbolize stability and innovation.
What is the triangle on the CAT logo?
The CAT logo is a yellow triangle. It is isosceles: two sides of equal length with a wide base create a sense of stability.
Are CAT and Caterpillar the same company?
CAT is the flagship brand of Caterpillar Corporation.
What does CAT mean to Caterpillar?
CAT is Caterpillar’s flagship brand, under which most of its products are sold. It is primarily known for its specialized vehicles and premium engines.