The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company made the first gas powered forklift in the early 20th century. Ever since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Located within Buchanan, Michigan State, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the very first Tructractor during 1917. Workers made the tractor in order to make it easier to move parts in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, they asked Clark to build more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark started the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling 75 of the equipment that year.
Duat
In nineteen twenty three Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In 1927 the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that have internal combustion engines can run 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 a lot more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads that are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.