The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the very first gas powered forklift during the early part of the 20th century. Since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Located within Buchanan, Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the very first Tructractor in 1917. Workers fabricated the tractor so as to make it easier to transport components in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, they asked Clark to build 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 machines that year.
Duat
During 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
A gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels and can draw up to five thousand five hundred kilograms, the Clarktor was created during 1927. During 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which have internal combustion engines can function utilizing liquid propane, liquid natural gas, diesel or gasoline. These kind of forklifts should be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost 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 recommended.