More than 80 years ago, a gentleman named Lester M. Sears thought it could be a good idea to modify a farm tractor for industrial application. He created the "Model L," and even though it could appear a little obsolete at the present, it was packed with new ideas. The machine revolutionized and transformed the materials handling business.
Lester's first truck provided innovations which have become standard today in the forklift industry. Several of these important features include: rear-wheel steering, wheel drive, high speed forward and equal reverse gears, and hydraulic lifting and tilting.
Lester began the "Towmotor" and after that started CAT Lift Trucks, after being obtained by Caterpillar in 1965. With the same commitment to practical solutions, dedication to new ideas and exceptional reliability, CAT enjoys thinking that they are Lester's direct descendants. The Model L was very effective and durable that the prototype worked hard for more than 30 years before finally retiring.
Caterpillar formed a joint venture in 1992 with MHI Ltd. or Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. They brought together marketing and financial strengths and technological strengths in the manufacturing of material handling equipment. The company has had their head office within Almere, the Netherlands since that time.
CAT forklifts are now amongst the best built equipment in the business. CAT makes forklifts that run on diesel, LPG, electric counter balanced models and gasoline engines. The company also manufactures a complete series of warehouse machinery. The local CAT dealers are among the very best within the business and provide more than 80 years of relevant experience.
The particularly engineered RTCH rough terrain vehicle can operate in up to 5 feet of sea water. This unit could function on soft soil locations such as unprepared beaches. The RTCH can handle the 20 to 40 foot long and 8 foot wide containers.