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 business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Located in Buchanan, State of Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the manufacturer of the first Tructractor during 1917. Workers fabricated the tractor in order to make it easier to move components in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, they asked Clark to manufacture 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 machines that same year.
Duat
During the year 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Referred to as the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In 1927 the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels that can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In 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, gasoline or diesel. These kind of forklifts have to be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to buy, but more to operate because of the fuel cost. For loads that are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.