The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the first gas powered forklift. Since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Located within Buchanan, Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the manufacturer of the very first Tructractor in the year 1917. Workers fabricated the tractor so as to make it easier to transport parts within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to make more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark started the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling 75 of the equipment that very same year.
Duat
Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor during nineteen twenty three. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
A gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels and can draw up to 5,500 kilograms, the Clarktor was created in the year 1927. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that run on gasoline, diesel, liquid propane or liquid natural gas 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 less to buy, but more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads that are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.