The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company made the first gas powered forklift during the early part of the 20th century. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts since that time.
Beginning
Located in Buchanan, Michigan State, the Clark Equipment Company was the manufacturer of the first Tructractor during the year 1917. Workers made 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 build 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 machines that year.
Duat
During nineteen twenty three Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During nineteen twenty seven the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which can 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 have internal combustion engines can run using liquid propane, liquid natural gas, diesel or gasoline. These type of forklifts must be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to purchase, but much more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads which are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.