Re: "steel and fabrication of their equipment, and not so much from the microprocessors used,"
You might be underestimating Catipillar's electronics business.
"Caterpillar offers electronic control systems, operator interface components and asset management tools.
Caterpillar’s Work Area Vision System expands the operator’s view of the worksite.
Caterpillar is a world-class electronics company offering products that stand up in harsh environments."
http://www.cat.com/electronics