The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the first gas powered forklift in the early 20th century. Ever since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Situated within Buchanan, State of Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the manufacturer of the very first Tructractor during 1917. Employees made the tractor in order to make it easier to transport parts 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 75 of the machines that very same year.
Duat
Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor during the year 1923. 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 developed during 1927. In 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that function on diesel, gasoline, liquid propane or liquid natural gas have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts should be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to buy, but more to operate because of the fuel cost. For loads which are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.