The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the very first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
Situated within Buchanan, Michigan State, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the very first Tructractor in the year 1917. Employees made the tractor in order to make it easier to move parts in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, they asked Clark to build more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machines that year.
Duat
In 1923 Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Referred to as the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery 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 that can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which run on gasoline, diesel, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These type of forklifts should be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to purchase, but more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.