The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the first gas powered forklift during the early part of the 20th century. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
During 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated within Buchanan, Michigan, was the producer of the first Tructractor. Employees fabricated 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 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 machinery that year.
Duat
During the year 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During the year 1927 the Clarktor was created, 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 that run on diesel, gasoline, liquid propane or liquid natural gas have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts need to be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to purchase, but more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.