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 business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Located in Buchanan, State of Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the first Tructractor in the year 1917. Employees fabricated the tractor so as to make it easier to move parts within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to build more. The following year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark started the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machinery that very same year.
Duat
In 1923 Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Known as the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During 1927 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 foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which have internal combustion engines can run using liquid propane, liquid natural gas, gasoline or diesel. These type of forklifts must be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to buy, but much more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.