Caterpillar launches pilot at Home Depot

Caterpillar, the Peoria, Ill.-based manufacturer of construction, mining and industrial equipment, has begun a test of its rental outlets with Home Depot in Texas, according to a report in Rental Equipment Register. The online publication reported that more Home Depot test locations will be added this year, although few other details were available.

Home Depot did not immediately respond to a request for comments.

Currently, there are more than 1,600 independently run Cat Rental stores throughout the world, offering construction-related equipment and specialty tools. Caterpillar has stated it would like to grow that number by more than 550 locations over the next three years.

Home Depot operates its own equipment and tool rental departments in approximately 1,200 of its stores. According to the company’s Web site, Home Depot’s rental outlets have more locations than any other tool rental company in the United States.