The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts since that time.
Beginning
Located within Buchanan, Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the producer of the first Tructractor during 1917. Employees fabricated the tractor to make it easier to move parts in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, they asked Clark to build more. The following year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling 75 of the equipment that year.
Duat
In the year 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
A gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels and can draw up to five thousand five hundred kilograms, the Clarktor was created during nineteen twenty seven. During 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which have internal combustion engines can run using liquid propane, liquid natural gas, diesel or gasoline. These kind of forklifts need to be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to purchase, but more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.