The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the very first gas powered forklift. Since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
In 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located within Buchanan, Michigan State, was the manufacturer of the first Tructractor. Employees made the tractor in order to make it easier to transport parts in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, they asked Clark to make more. The following year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark started the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling 75 of the machinery that year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor during the year 1923. Known as the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In nineteen twenty seven the Clarktor was developed, 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 which function on diesel, gasoline, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts must be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to purchase, but more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.