The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the first gas powered forklift during the early part of the 20th century. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts since that time.
Beginning
During the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located in Buchanan, Michigan State, was the producer of the very first Tructractor. Employees fabricated the tractor to make it easier to transport parts in 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 equipment that same year.
Duat
Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor during nineteen twenty three. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During the year 1927 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 that have internal combustion engines could function utilizing liquid natural gas, liquid propane, diesel or gasoline. These kind of forklifts must be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to buy, but more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads which are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.