Lester M. Sears was the gentleman who thought it might be good idea to adapt the farm tractor for use by industry more than 80 years ago. He came up with the "Model L," and although it can appear quite obsolete at the moment, it was packed with new ideas. The machine changed and transformed the materials handling industry.
Lester's first truck offered innovations that have become standard nowadays within the lift truck industry. Amongst these important features include: rear-wheel steering, wheel drive, high speed forward and equal reverse gears, and hydraulic tilting and lifting.
Lester began the "Towmotor" and after that began CAT Forklifts, after being obtained by Caterpillar during 1965. With the same dedication to practical solutions, commitment to new ideas and extraordinary dependability, CAT enjoys thinking that they are Lester's direct descendants. The Model L was so effective and strong that the model worked hard for over 30 years before finally retiring.
It was then during 1992, when Caterpillar joined Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in a joint venture. They brought together technological strengths and marketing and financial strengths in the manufacturing of material handling equipment. The corporation has had their headquarters within Almere, the Netherlands ever since that time.
CAT forklifts are presently amongst the best built equipment within the industry. CAT produces forklifts that run on diesel, LPG, electric counter balanced models and gasoline engines. The corporation also manufactures an entire series of warehouse equipment. The local CAT dealers are amongst the best within the industry and provide over 80 years of relevant experience.
The specially designed RTCH rough terrain vehicle can operate in up to 5 feet of sea water. This unit could function on soft soil places like unprepared beaches. The RTCH can handle the 8 foot wide and 20 to 40 foot long containers.