Lester M. Sears was the gentleman who thought it could be wise idea to adapt the farm tractor for use by industry more than 80 years ago. He came up with the "Model L," and though it could look rather obsolete now, it was packed with new ideas. The machinery transformed and changed the materials handling business.
Lester's first truck offered innovations which have become basic today within the lift truck business. Some of these important features comprise: rear-wheel steering, wheel drive, hydraulic lifting and tilting and high speed forward and equal reverse gears.
During 1965 the corporation was acquired by Caterpillar and Lester began "Towmotor" and afterward began CAT Forklifts. With the same dedication to sensible solutions, commitment to new ideas and extraordinary dependability, CAT enjoys thinking that they are direct descendants of Lester's. The Model L was so strong and effective that the prototype worked hard for more than 30 years prior to finally retiring.
It was then during 1992, when Caterpillar joined Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in a joint venture. They brought together financial and marketing strengths and technological strengths in the production of material handling equipment. The business has had their head office within Almere, the Netherlands ever since that time.
CAT forklifts are now among the best built machines within the business. CAT makes lift trucks that operate on LPG, diesel, electric counter balanced models and gasoline engines. The corporation also manufactures an entire line of warehouse machines. The local CAT dealers are among the very best within the industry and provide over 80 years of relevant experience.
The RTCH is a particularly designed rough terrain vehicle which can operate in up to 5 feet of sea water and uses 4-wheel drive. This particular unit is capable of functioning on soft soil places like unprepared beaches. The RTCH is able to handle the 8 foot wide and 20 to 40 foot long containers.