Caterpillar's GC tag first came to market on the 313F GC excavator in North America, and it still has some contractors scratching their heads. Some have proclaimed the ‘GC’ stands for ‘General Construction' or ‘Game Changer' or even ‘Garbage Can.’ If what we've heard from Caterpillar is correct, then all of these are wrong, and the real answer isn't as exciting as you may have hoped. GC actually doesn't stand for anything.
Cat wants you to think of the GC products the same way Apple wants you think of their SE model phones (though Cat did it first). It doesn't stand for anything, but it is an indicator of the product's value proposition. In Caterpillar's case, the GC products bring a value-oriented design without all of the bells and whistles in a world that is getting more complex and high-tech by the day. Generally, these products are aimed at applications where full production and the highest level of technologies are not needed. The machine is not going to out produce the fully-featured machine, but it still brings with it the Cat durability, service and support, and often comes at a significantly lower price.
Who knows where the letters ‘GC’ came from… maybe the initials of the intern that came up with the idea?
Cat currently offers GC models on its excavators, wheel loaders, motor graders, and articulated truck product lines in North America with some additional products available elsewhere in the world (including dozers). What does it mean on each machine? Here's a quick summary:
Excavators: Generally the GC products have similar breakout forces and lift capacities, but they typically have smaller engines and/or hydraulic pumps and cylinders. This can lead to less hydraulic horsepower or less flow in certain cases which would slow down your cycle times and make multi-functioning or running demanding attachments more difficult.
Wheel Loaders: The 950 GC is the only wheel loader currently available with the GC tag. It is very similar to the K-Series which Cat brought to Tier 4 Final from less regulated countries where it is still sold. The GC model has the same engine with less horsepower and does not feature the 5-speed transmission with lock-up clutch torque converter that the 950M does. The 950 GC is great in stockpiling and hopper or truck loading with its extra pin height but will not get the same productivity or efficiency that the M-Series brings.
Motor Graders: Similar to the wheel loaders, Cat has modernized some legacy models for its grader GC line. These machines are ideal for low production applications like municipal road maintenance or finish grading. They don't have all of the grading, articulation, and blade dampening technologies, and they feature the steering wheel and lever controls which may have steered some operators away from Cat when they went all in on joystick controls.
Articulated Trucks: Cat has one GC model truck, the 740 GC. This model brings back a true 40-ton truck that disappeared from the line-up as Cat grew to the 45-ton 745 available today. The 740 GC has a smaller engine (C15 vs C18) and less horsepower so will not quite offer the same power or performance. Cat has positioned this truck as a great addition to rental fleets due to its lower acquisition price.
On the flip-side of the GC models, you may have also seen Cat's XE products. They fall on the opposite end of the spectrum with maximum productivity and all of the high-tech gadgets. These machines in some cases are electric drive or offer a suite of technology solutions to help the operators be more productive and efficient. They also come at the highest price point that Cat offers.
Caterpillar is introducing new GC and XE models on a regular basis as it tries to offers customers more options and choices that better fit their business. Who doesn't like more choices when competition for business is stiffer than ever and equipment prices are at all time highs?
All of Cat's current GC models are listed below for you to explore. Who knows? Maybe one of them is just the right fit for your business.
