The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the very first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
In the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located in Buchanan, Michigan, was the manufacturer of the very first Tructractor. Workers made the tractor to make it easier to transport components within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, they asked Clark to manufacture 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 machines that same year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor in the year 1923. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
A gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels and can draw up to 5,500 kilograms, the Clarktor was developed during 1927. During the year 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which run on diesel, gasoline, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These type of forklifts have to be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to purchase, but much more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.