Caterpillar’s New Trial 14 Video, After Hours, Celebrates 100 Years and Centennial Grey Machines
Caterpillar is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, and what better way to mark the occasion than with a new Cat Trial video that combines history, innovation and a little bit of nighttime magic? In Cat Trial 14: After Hours, machines old and new come to life at a jobsite museum, with a clear nod to the past and a bright look toward the future.
A Nod to History: The Return of the Original Grey-Painted Cat Dozer
In Cat Trial 14, one of the most captivating moments comes when a machine that looks like an original grey-painted Cat dozer or track-type tractor comes to life. This machine harkens back to 1927, when Caterpillar introduced its first track-type tractor — the Twenty Track-Type Tractor. When Caterpillar began, their machines were painted battleship gray, a color that would only last about six years. The video pays homage to this iconic paint color, as Caterpillar celebrates 100 years of innovation. In fact, as part of its centennial celebrations, the company is bringing back this iconic “Centennial Grey” color for select machines. Some of these machines will be available for purchase in 2025, providing a tangible link between the past and present.
Machines Come to Life: A Nighttime Spectacle
In Cat Trial 14: After Hours, the scene is set in a jobsite museum, where machines from different decades come to life after dark, much like the exhibits in the popular movie Night at the Museum. The video takes us through a magical moment where these machines, from classic grey-painted dozers to more modern machines like a 320 excavator with Vision Link, spring to life and demonstrate their capabilities in a creative, fun-filled way. The video is filled with impressive visuals (love the neon lights, especially that Tron-type compact track loader), showcasing the transformation of these iconic machines, all while highlighting Caterpillar’s innovation over the past century.
Celebrating 100 Years of Innovation and Legacy
The year 2025 marks Caterpillar’s 100th anniversary, and the company is going all out to honor its rich history. It was in 1925 that Caterpillar was formed through the merger of Holt Manufacturing Co. and C.L. Best Tractor Co., leading to the iconic Caterpillar Tractor Co. The company’s first product was a track-type tractor designed to pull combine harvesters in Northern California, a revolutionary piece of machinery that helped pave the way for modern construction and mining equipment.
Over the years, Caterpillar has continued to evolve, becoming an industry leader in construction equipment, mining machines, and energy solutions. Today, the company is focusing on (among other things) sustainability, autonomous technology and customer-centric innovations, all while staying true to its founding principles.
Caterpillar is commemorating its centennial with several events throughout the year, including the Centennial World Tour, which visits various Caterpillar facilities globally. Additionally, the company is offering limited-edition Centennial Grey painted machines to commemorate the 100th anniversary. Last week, I got the opportunity to see a Centennial Grey Cat 305 mini excavator, which made an appearance at World of Concrete. Expect these grey machines at tradeshows all year around. Enjoy a photo!
Previous Cat Trial Videos: Innovation Meets Entertainment
The Cat Trials are a series of creative marketing videos that have entertained audiences since their inception in 2014. These videos feature Caterpillar equipment in unique and often daring scenarios that push the limits of what machines can do. Previous trials include challenges like giant Jenga, lighting up a Chinese mountainside and competing in a giant game of PAC-MAN using skid steer loaders.
Cat Trial 14: After Hours continues this trend by combining nostalgia with forward-looking technology, paying tribute to the company’s century of success while looking ahead to the future. This blend of pop culture and machine innovation continues to capture the attention of audiences worldwide, bringing an entertaining and engaging twist to marketing for the construction and equipment industries.
Attending the Filming of No Hands: A CE Adventure
A few years ago, the Compact Equipment crew had the incredible opportunity to attend the filming of Cat Trial 12: No Hands. The experience was nothing short of amazing, and we were blown away by the scale and creativity behind the production. From witnessing autonomous machines in action to experiencing the sheer excitement of watching soccer star DaMarcus Beasley maneuver through an obstacle course with autonomous trucks and track loaders, the event was a true testament to Caterpillar’s bold approach to marketing and innovation.
It was a rare opportunity to see the cutting-edge technology that Caterpillar is integrating into its compact track loaders and mining equipment, as well as the precision and expertise required to make these machines operate autonomously. The excitement of being on set with such an impressive array of machines is something we’ll never forget. That level of creativity and commitment to innovation is what continues to make the Cat Trials such a unique and highly anticipated event in the construction and equipment world.
A Celebration of Legacy and Innovation
Caterpillar’s 100th anniversary is a momentous occasion, and the Cat Trial 14: After Hours video serves as a perfect blend of celebration and innovation. The Cat Trials continue to entertain and engage audiences, proving that Caterpillar remains a leader in both innovation and creativity. Be sure to check out the video above!
Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.
