The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the very 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
Located in Buchanan, Michigan State, the Clark Equipment Company was the producer of the very first Tructractor in the year 1917. Workers fabricated the tractor in order to make it easier to transport components within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, they asked Clark to make more. The following year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark started the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling seventy five of the equipment that very same year.
Duat
In 1923 Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In 1927 the Clarktor was created, 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 that run on diesel, gasoline, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These type of forklifts need to be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to purchase, but much more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads which are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.