The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company made the very first gas powered forklift during the early 20th century. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts since that time.
Beginning
Located in Buchanan, Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the first Tructractor during the year 1917. Employees fabricated the tractor to make it easier to transport parts in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, they asked Clark to make 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 year.
Duat
In the year 1923 Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Known as the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery 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 could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis 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 kind of forklifts must be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to buy, but a lot more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.