Early 1950’s Towmotor Urbana Manufacturing Electric Forklift Salesman Sample (Non-working)

The appearance of this well-painted and multiple decal forklift is in excellent condition showing very little wear.  The tires, wheels, mast chains, levers, and gears are all present. 

We tested the forklift and all functions were running well including tilt, forward and reverse movement, steering, and forklift raising and lowering.  Unfortunately during the test, the electric motor froze up and probably needs replacement. 

These forklifts were made in very limited quantities and the salesman would use these electric models to demonstrate how the equipment worked. 

The product was designed by the Crosby Research Foundation (Bing Crosby and his brother Larry) to allow Towmotor to demonstrate what they called “One Man Gangs”. In 1965, Towmotor became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Tractor Company.  This piece displays well on any shelf.