The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the first gas powered forklift. Ever since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Located within Buchanan, Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the manufacturer of the very first Tructractor in the year 1917. Workers fabricated the tractor to make it easier to move parts within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, 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 75 of the machinery that year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor in nineteen twenty three. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery 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 could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. 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 natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts must be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to buy, but more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.