[Photos] Looking Back at Caterpillar’s Start

Caterpillar Visit Tlc Magazine

If you’re in the construction industry or are a person who appreciates the fine art of heavy equipment, make a visit to the Caterpillar Visitors Center in Peoria, Illinois a priority.

Even if you ever find yourself in the Chicago area, the two-and-a-half-hour drive southeast to Cat’s home base is well worth it to see the ode to yellow iron the company has put together.

Caterpillar opened the 50,000 square-foot facility less than two years ago and the centerpiece and first stop on a tour is a 797 mining truck whose bed contains a theater where you’ll be treated to an introductory video complemented by a phenomenal picture, audio system and even rumble seats.

Beyond the theater, the place is packed with equipment both young and old as well as a ton of Caterpillar memorabilia and interactive displays from throughout the company’s 89-year history.

Some of the exhibits include a 1928 Model Twenty tractor and the chance to try your hand at the controls of a 1930s D8 tractor.

The facility is staffed with knowledgable staff to answer any questions you may have, including several retired company veterans whose love for and knowledge of the company is apparent as soon as they greet you at the door. Until you’re able to go yourself, we’ve put together a photo gallery of the building you can click through below.

The Main Atrium Of The Visitors Center Houses Several Different Models Of New Cat Equipment And The Cat No 31 Stock Car Driven By Ryan Newman Nascar Driver's Ryan Newman's No 31 Cat Stock Car Caterpillar Visitors Center3
 This 1928 Caterpillar Model Twenty Listed For $2,175 And Was Powered By A 20 Horsepower Gasoline Engine It's Gray Shade Of Paint Is The Original Color Cat Used Before The Company Switched To Yellow  Caterpillar Visitors Center17  One of the best exhibits at the museum focuses on the Caterpillar Diesels basketball team which played in the National Industrial Basketball League, won several Amateur Athletic Union championships and, in 1952, represented the United States in the Helsin
 Caterpillar Diesels Basketball Jerseys  A Caterpillar Engine At End Of Life Since The 1960s, Caterpillar Engineers Have Used Scale Models To Test Ideas And Prototypes For Future Machines 
 Caterpillar Visitors Center33  A Loader Made Of Bolts Given To Caterpillar By Fontana  A Caterpillar C13 Acert Tier 4 Interim Engine On Display
 In The Main Atrium Of The Visitors Center, There Are Several Machine Simulators For Patrons To Try Caterpillar Visitors Center6   

 

Editor’s Note: Wayne Grayson is the Online Editor for sister site Equipment World.

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