The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the first gas powered forklift. Since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
In the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated in Buchanan, Michigan State, was the manufacturer of the first Tructractor. Workers made the tractor in order to make it easier to move components within 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 within Buchanan, selling seventy five of the equipment that year.
Duat
Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor during the year 1923. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During the year 1927 the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels that could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In 1928 the Tructier model was built. 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 have to be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to purchase, but a lot more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.