Lester M. Sears was the man who believed it might be good idea to modify the farm tractor for use by industry more than 80 years ago. He made the "Model L," and even though it can seem rather outdated at the moment, it was packed with new ideas. The equipment transformed and revolutionized the materials handling business.
The initial truck that Lester offered innovations on has become the basic today in the forklift business. Amongst these key features include: 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 afterward started CAT Lift Trucks. With the same dedication to practical solutions, dedication to extraordinary reliability and new ideas, CAT enjoys thinking that they are Lester's direct descendants. The Model L was so efficient and strong that the model worked hard for more than 30 years prior to finally retiring.
Caterpillar formed a joint venture in 1992 with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries or MHI Ltd. They brought together marketing and financial strengths and technological strengths in the manufacturing of material handling equipment. The company has had their headquarters in Almere, the Netherlands since that time.
CAT forklifts are currently among the best built machines within the business. CAT produces forklifts which run on diesel, LPG, electric counter balanced units and gasoline engines. The corporation also makes an entire line of warehouse equipment. The local CAT dealers are among the best within the business and provide more than 80 years of relevant experience.
The specially designed RTCH rough terrain vehicle could operate in as much as 5 feet of sea water. This unit is capable of functioning on soft soil locations like unprepared beaches. The RTCH could handle the 8 foot wide and 20 to 40 foot long containers.