The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the first gas powered forklift during the early 20th century. Ever since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
During 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located in Buchanan, Michigan, was the manufacturer of the first Tructractor. Employees fabricated 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 make more. The following year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machinery that year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor during the year 1923. Referred to as the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In the year 1927 the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that run on gasoline, diesel, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These type of forklifts should be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to purchase, but more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.