The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the first gas powered forklift in the early part of the 20th century. Since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
During 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located within Buchanan, Michigan, was the maker of the first Tructractor. Workers made the tractor in order to make it easier to move components within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, they asked Clark to make more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling seventy five of the equipment that same year.
Duat
During 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Referred to as the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During nineteen twenty seven the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which run on gasoline, diesel, liquid propane or liquid natural gas have internal combustion engines. These type of forklifts should be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to buy, but much more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.