Caterpillar entered an agreement with CA-based Yard Club to provide strategic funding and launch an online equipment rental ordering platform including both Cat products and non-Cat branded products.

“Peer-to-peer technology has changed other industries like transportation and lodging, and Yard Club has developed an innovative solution initially for the construction equipment industry,” said Phil Kelliher, Caterpillar’s vice president with responsibility for Americas Distribution Services Division. “Using this platform, a contractor can rent an excavator that’s in between jobs to another contractor who needs that machine. The Cat dealer will use this tool as another avenue to strengthen customer relationships by increasing the utilization rates of heavy equipment and lowering the total cost of equipment ownership.”

Since its founding in 2013, Yard Club has focused on construction contractors in the San Francisco area. With Caterpillar’s investment, Yard Club will further develop the platform and expand club member coverage.