The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the first gas powered forklift in the early 20th century. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts since that time.
Beginning
Situated within Buchanan, Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the manufacturer of the very first Tructractor in the year 1917. Workers made the tractor in order to make it easier to transport parts within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, 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 seventy five of the equipment that year.
Duat
Clark made 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
In nineteen twenty seven the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which run on gasoline, diesel, liquid propane or liquid natural gas have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts should be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to buy, but more to operate because of the fuel cost. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.