Lester M. Sears was the man who thought it might be good idea to adapt the farm tractor for use by industry more than 80 years ago. He created the "Model L," and though it may look quite obsolete at the present, it was packed with new ideas. The machinery transformed and changed the materials handling industry.
Lester's initial truck provided innovations which have become standard nowadays within the forklift industry. Several of these important features include: wheel drive, rear-wheel steering, hydraulic lifting and tilting and high speed forward and equal reverse gears.
During 1965 the corporation was acquired by Caterpillar and Lester started "Towmotor" and after that began CAT Forklifts. With the same dedication to sensible solutions, dedication to exceptional reliability and new ideas, CAT enjoys thinking that they are Lester's direct descendants. The Model L was so effective and durable that the prototype worked hard for over 30 years prior to finally retiring.
It was then in the year 1992, when Caterpillar joined Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in a joint venture. They brought together financial and marketing strengths and technological strengths in the manufacturing of material handling equipment. The corporation has had their head office within Almere, the Netherlands ever since that time.
Currently, CAT Forklifts are among the best-built within the business. These machines come in diesel, LPG, electric counter balanced units and gasoline engines. The company makes an entire line of warehouse machines as well. The local CAT dealers are among the best in the business and provide over 80 years of pertinent experience.
The specially designed RTCH rough terrain vehicle could operate in as much as 5 feet of sea water. This unit could function on soft soil locations like unprepared beaches. The RTCH is able to handle the 8 foot wide and 20 to 40 foot long containers.