Lester M. Sears was the man who thought it could be wise idea to modify the farm tractor for use by industry more than 80 years ago. He created the "Model L," and although it could look rather outdated at the moment, it was packed with new ideas. The equipment changed and transformed the materials handling business.
The first truck which Lester offered innovations on has become the standard today within the lift truck industry. Amongst these important features include: wheel drive, rear-wheel steering, equal reverse and high-speed forward gears, and hydraulic lifting and tilting.
In 1965 the company was acquired by Caterpillar and Lester began "Towmotor" and afterward started CAT Forklifts. With the same dedication to practical solutions, dedication to extraordinary reliability and new ideas, 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 more than 30 years prior to finally retiring.
Caterpillar formed a joint venture in 1992 with MHI Ltd. or Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. They brought together financial and marketing strengths and technological strengths in the production of material handling equipment. The corporation has had their head office within Almere, the Netherlands ever since that time.
CAT lift trucks are currently among the best built machines within the industry. CAT makes forklifts that operate on LPG, diesel, electric counter balanced models and gasoline engines. The company also makes an entire line of warehouse machines. The local CAT dealers are among the very best within the business and offer more than 80 years of relevant experience.
The RTCH is a particularly designed rough terrain vehicle which could 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 such as unprepared beaches. The RTCH could handle the 20 to 40 foot long and 8 foot wide containers.