More than 80 years ago, a man named Lester M. Sears thought it might be a wise idea to modify a farm tractor for industrial application. He came up with the "Model L," and though it could look a little obsolete at the moment, it was packed with new ideas. The machine revolutionized and transformed the materials handling industry.
Lester's first truck provided innovations that have become basic nowadays within the lift truck business. Among these important features include: wheel drive, rear-wheel steering, high speed forward and equal reverse gears, and hydraulic lifting and tilting.
In 1965 the company was acquired by Caterpillar and Lester began "Towmotor" and afterward began CAT Lift Trucks. With the same commitment to practical solutions, dedication to new ideas and extraordinary reliability, CAT enjoys thinking that they are Lester's direct descendants. The Model L was very efficient and durable that the prototype worked hard for over 30 years before finally retiring.
It was then in 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 equipment. The corporation has had their head office in Almere, the Netherlands since that time.
CAT forklifts are now among the best built machines within the industry. CAT makes forklifts that operate on LPG, diesel, electric counter balanced models and gasoline engines. The company also makes an entire line of warehouse machinery. The local CAT dealers are amongst the very best in the industry and provide over 80 years of relevant experience.
The specifically engineered RTCH rough terrain vehicle could operate in as much as 5 feet of sea water. This specific model can function on soft soil locations such as unprepared beaches. The RTCH can handle the 20 to 40 foot long and 8 foot wide containers.