Lester M. Sears was the gentleman who believed it might be good idea to adapt the farm tractor for use by industry more than 80 years ago. He made the "Model L," and though it may look rather outdated now, it was packed with new ideas. The machine changed and transformed the materials handling business.
Lester's first truck provided innovations that have become standard these days in the forklift business. Some of these important features include: rear-wheel steering, wheel drive, hydraulic lifting and tilting and equal reverse and high-speed forward gears.
Lester started the "Towmotor" and afterward began CAT Lift Trucks, after being acquired by Caterpillar in the year 1965. With the same commitment to practical solutions, dedication to extraordinary dependability 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 over 30 years prior to 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 corporation has had their headquarters within Almere, the Netherlands since that time.
CAT forklifts are now among the best built equipment in the industry. CAT produces forklifts which operate on LPG, diesel, electric counter balanced models and gasoline engines. The corporation makes an entire series of warehouse equipment also. The local CAT dealers are among the best in the business and provide more than 80 years of relevant experience.
The RTCH is a specially designed rough terrain vehicle that is able to operate in up to 5 feet of sea water and utilizes 4-wheel drive. This specific unit is capable of functioning on soft soil places such as unprepared beaches. The RTCH could handle the 8 foot wide and 20 to 40 foot long containers.