The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the very first gas powered forklift. Ever since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Located within Buchanan, Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the very first Tructractor during 1917. Workers made the tractor in order to make it easier to move components within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, they asked Clark to manufacture more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling 75 of the machinery that year.
Duat
In the year 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Known as the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
A gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels and could draw up to 5,500 kilograms, the Clarktor was developed during 1927. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which function on diesel, gasoline, liquid propane or liquid natural gas have internal combustion engines. These type of forklifts must be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to buy, but more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.