The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
In the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located within Buchanan, Michigan State, was the producer of the first Tructractor. Employees made the tractor in order to make it easier to move parts 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 started the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machines that same year.
Duat
During the year 1923 Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Known as the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During nineteen twenty seven the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which function on gasoline, diesel, liquid propane or liquid natural gas have internal combustion engines. These type of forklifts must be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to buy, but more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads that are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.