The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the very first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts since that time.
Beginning
During 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located within Buchanan, Michigan, was the maker of the first Tructractor. Workers fabricated the tractor so as to make it easier to transport parts within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, they asked Clark to manufacture more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark started the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling seventy five of the equipment that same year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor during nineteen twenty three. 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 could draw up to 5,500 kilograms, the Clarktor was developed during the year 1927. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that run on gasoline, diesel, liquid propane or liquid natural gas have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts have to be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to purchase, but more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.