If the “Twenty” represented 20 horsepower, are current product names also associated with equipment size and power?

Tom: For the most part, yes, although it’s not a direct correlation. Model number increments tend to go up and down based on the size of the product. Generally, the smaller the number, the smaller the machine. As things like weight and horsepower increase, so does the model number. In our wheel loader family, for example, the 950 falls in the middle of the lineup. The 995 is the largest; the 901 is the smallest.

It works similarly on the electric power side of the business. Some genset model numbers tie back to power output; others link to engine models. It’s the same with engines. Displacement grows with many model numbers.

Can you take us through the process of naming a new product?

Tom: Product identity and nomenclature is built into our new product introduction (NPI) process at Caterpillar. That’s how we manage a product rollout from start to finish. If it’s a completely new product, we work closely with the product development team to conduct market research and learn what’s already been established in the industry. Our customers don’t want to waste time translating a name into something they understand, so we work hard to leverage what already exists.

If it’s a generational increment of an existing product, obviously that’s easier. We want to build on the equity that’s already established in many of these machines and engines that have been around for decades.

Some companies don’t use the number 13 because it’s associated with bad luck. Are there any numbers or letters that Caterpillar avoids in product nomenclature?

Tom: We do tend to avoid the letter “I” because it’s easily confused with the number “1.” And in some cases, we might steer away from certain numbers or letter combinations because of different cultural meanings or perceptions. The goal is always to make it clear and simple for the customer.

You’ve made some changes to nomenclature in recent years, most notably eliminating letter designations on some machines. Why?

Tom: We used to include series letters to denote generational differences between products. For example, the 740C represented the third generation of that articulated truck; when we introduced the fourth generation, we named it the 740D.

It was a good system that was beloved by many of our customers, but we started running out of letters in the alphabet for some our product lines. That’s one of the good problems that comes with being in business for a century! With the frequency of updates and changes on some machines, we realized using series letters just wasn’t sustainable going forward. We had to think longer term.

That’s why we eliminated the series letter — so now it’s simply a 740 articluated truck. On every product’s PIN plate, though, there’s a three-character build number that denotes the generation, so that information is still available for customers when they need it. 

What about the letters “GC” and “XE” that we see on certain machines — what do those mean?

Tom: Those letters are meant to help customers differentiate between different levels of equipment, similar to trim levels in the automotive industry. If you see “GC” on a machine, that’s a focused value offering. It features the reliability and durability you expect from Caterpillar plus low operating costs, basic features and simple technology. “XE” represents our premium, market-leading models — those that may have the highest levels of technology, productivity and fuel efficiency. In between are our performance models.

Some models have trade dress with a blue hexagon instead of red. What’s that about?

Tom: It’s there to indicate a fully electrified product. Some customers have probably seen the blue nomenclature and trade dress graphics on our prototype machines at various trade shows or in press release photos over the past several months. We chose blue to signify and showcase our unique powertrain offerings and distinguish our fully electric machines on the jobsite.

What’s your #1 tip for customers trying to decipher Cat product nomenclature?

Tom: Don’t overthink it. It’s fairly straightforward once you get into a specific product line. And if you have questions, your dealer is always there to help you understand the differences between products and determine which one is the best fit for your business.

Big thanks to Tom for this behind-the-scenes look at how Cat heavy equipment, industrial engines and gensets get their names!