Lester M. Sears was the man who believed 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 can seem rather obsolete at the moment, it was packed with new ideas. The machinery transformed and changed the materials handling industry.
Lester's first truck provided innovations which have become standard today within the forklift business. Among these key features consist of: rear-wheel steering, wheel drive, hydraulic lifting and tilting and high speed forward and equal reverse gears.
During the year 1965 the business was obtained by Caterpillar and Lester began "Towmotor" and then began CAT Forklifts. With the same dedication to practical solutions, commitment to extraordinary reliability and new ideas, CAT enjoys thinking that they are direct descendants of Lester's. The Model L was very durable and efficient that the prototype worked hard for more than 30 years before finally retiring.
It was then during the year 1992, when Caterpillar joined Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in a joint venture. They brought together technological strengths and marketing and financial strengths in the production of material handling machinery. The business has had their headquarters within Almere, the Netherlands ever since that time.
CAT forklifts are currently among the best built equipment in the industry. CAT produces lift trucks that run on diesel, LPG, electric counter balanced units and gasoline engines. The corporation manufactures a complete line of warehouse equipment also. The local CAT dealers are among the very best in the business and provide more than 80 years of relevant experience.
The RTCH is a particularly engineered rough terrain vehicle which can operate in up to 5 feet of sea water and uses 4-wheel drive. This model can function on soft soil locations such as unprepared beaches. The RTCH is able to handle the 8 foot wide and 20 to 40 foot long containers.