The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the first gas powered forklift. Since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Located in Buchanan, Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the manufacturer of the very first Tructractor during the year 1917. Employees made the tractor in order to make it easier to move components within 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 started the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling 75 of the machinery that very same year.
Duat
During the year 1923 Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
A gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels and can draw up to 5,500 kilograms, the Clarktor was created during nineteen twenty seven. During 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which function on diesel, gasoline, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts need to be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to purchase, but more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads that are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.