The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the very first gas powered forklift in the early part of the 20th century. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
In 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated within Buchanan, Michigan, was the maker of the first Tructractor. Workers made the tractor to make it easier to move parts 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
Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor during the year 1923. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In the year 1927 the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which have internal combustion engines can run utilizing liquid propane, liquid natural gas, gasoline or diesel. These type of forklifts should be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot 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.