The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the first gas powered forklift during the early 20th century. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts since that time.
Beginning
In the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated within Buchanan, Michigan, was the maker of the first Tructractor. Employees made the tractor to make it easier to move components within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to build 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 equipment that year.
Duat
In the year 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In nineteen twenty seven the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which could 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 function on gasoline, diesel, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These type of forklifts have to be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to purchase, but a lot more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads which are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.