Lester M. Sears was the gentleman who thought it could be good idea to adapt the farm tractor for use by industry over 80 years ago. He created the "Model L," and although it could appear a little outdated at the moment, it was packed with new ideas. The equipment transformed and revolutionized the materials handling business.
The first truck that Lester offered innovations on has become the standard today in the forklift industry. Several of these important features include: wheel drive, rear-wheel steering, equal reverse and high-speed forward gears, and hydraulic tilting and lifting.
Lester started the "Towmotor" and then started CAT Forklifts, after being acquired by Caterpillar during the year 1965. With the same commitment to sensible solutions, commitment to new ideas and extraordinary reliability, CAT enjoys thinking that they are direct descendants of Lester's. The Model L was very effective and strong that the prototype worked hard for over 30 years before finally retiring.
It was then in 1992, when Caterpillar joined Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in a joint venture. They brought together marketing and financial strengths and technological strengths in the manufacturing of material handling machinery. The business has had their head office within Almere, the Netherlands since that time.
Presently, CAT Lift Trucks are among the best-built in the industry. These equipment come in LPG, diesel, electric counter balanced units and gasoline engines. The business manufactures a complete series of warehouse equipment also. The local CAT dealers are among the best within the industry and offer over 80 years of pertinent experience.
The RTCH is a specially engineered rough terrain vehicle that is able to operate in as much as 5 feet of sea water and uses 4-wheel drive. This unit can function on soft soil places like unprepared beaches. The RTCH can handle the 8 foot wide and 20 to 40 foot long containers.