Lester M. Sears was the gentleman who thought it could be good idea to modify the farm tractor for use by industry more than 80 years ago. He came up with the "Model L," and although it may look quite obsolete at the present, it was packed with new ideas. The equipment transformed and changed the materials handling industry.
The initial truck which Lester provided innovations on has become the standard today within the lift truck industry. Some of these important features consist of: wheel drive, rear-wheel steering, hydraulic lifting and tilting and equal reverse and high-speed forward gears.
In the year 1965 the company was acquired by Caterpillar and Lester began "Towmotor" and afterward started CAT Forklifts. With the same dedication to practical solutions, commitment to new ideas and exceptional dependability, CAT enjoys thinking that they are direct descendants of Lester's. The Model L was so durable and effective that the model worked hard for over 30 years before finally retiring.
Caterpillar formed a joint venture during 1992 with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries or MHI Ltd. They brought together technological strengths and financial and marketing strengths in the manufacturing of material handling equipment. The business has had their headquarters in Almere, the Netherlands since that time.
At present, CAT Forklifts are among the best-built in the industry. These equipment come in LPG, diesel, electric counter balanced units and gasoline engines. The business also manufactures a complete line of warehouse equipment. The local CAT dealers are among the best within the business and offer over 80 years of pertinent experience.
The RTCH is a particularly designed rough terrain vehicle which can operate in up to 5 feet of sea water and utilizes 4-wheel drive. This unit can function on soft soil places like for instance unprepared beaches. The RTCH can handle the 20 to 40 foot long and 8 foot wide containers.