Cletrac Logo PNG
Cletrac: Brand overview
Cletrac, an American tractor manufacturer, began its history in 1916 when it was founded by Rollin H. White. The company was originally called Cleveland Motor Plow Company and was based in Cleveland, Ohio. The company’s early successes were highlighted by the introduction of the Model R-tracked tractor in 1917. This new product helped Cletrac gain a reputation for reliability and durability in tracked tractors.
Cletrac’s growth was especially noticeable in the 1920s and 30s when the company produced new tractor models and acquired other tractor firms. This expansion solidified Cletrac’s position as one of the leading tractor brands in the United States.
During World War II, Cletrac was prepared to meet the needs of the military by producing over 30,000 Model W tracked tractors. This was crucial in meeting the wartime demand for heavy equipment.
In the post-war period, Cletrac continued to innovate by introducing new tractor lines, such as the Ford agricultural model in 1952. However, the tractor industry began to change, and increased competition led to a gradual decline in Cletrac sales.
By 1965, the White Motor Company, which had purchased Cletrac in 1929, decided to discontinue Cletrac production and sell the brand. This marked the end of Cletrac’s nearly 50-year journey.
At the height of its success, Cletrac was an industry leader, with several U.S. plants and tractors shipped all over the world. However, over time, rising prices and imports led to a decline in domestic demand.
Despite these challenges, Cletrac’s impact on the industry cannot be unrecognized. Their rugged tracked tractors were versatile and were used in both agricultural and military applications. Although the company was not destined to survive long as an independent enterprise, its pioneering role in the tractor segment left an indelible mark.
Today, Cletrac tractors hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and historians as a symbol of legendary American heavy equipment created during the transformative era of the early 20th century. Their legacy continues to be a testament to American ingenuity and industrial determination.
Meaning and History
1916 – 1918
1918 – 1944
1944 – 1965
The Cletrac brand has a heraldic logo that speaks to the deep roots of this American tractor manufacturer. The logo takes the form of a pentagonal shield with rounded corners at the bottom. The shield is divided into three parts:
- A black upper part with the inscription “Oliver.”
- A green lateral part on the right
- A red part on the left
On this background, there is a horizontal oval in the center. Inside it, the company name is written mostly in lowercase letters, except for the first one. In addition, there are three more lines of text, each in different fonts.
The logo is like a colorful shield that tells a story. It has everything: black, green, and red parts. Each color stands for something interesting about the company. In the center, an oval with the company name is drawn. The fonts are carefully mixed as if each line is a separate mini-story.
