The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts since that time.
Beginning
In the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated in Buchanan, Michigan, was the manufacturer of the first Tructractor. Workers fabricated the tractor in order to make it easier to move components in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, they asked Clark to build more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machines that very same year.
Duat
In 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Known as the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
A gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels and could draw up to 5,500 kilograms, the Clarktor was created in the year 1927. During the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that 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 purchase, but more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.