The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the first gas powered forklift in the early part of the 20th century. Ever since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Situated within Buchanan, Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the producer of the first Tructractor in 1917. Workers fabricated the tractor to make it easier to transport components within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, they asked Clark to build more. The following year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark started the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling 75 of the machinery that year.
Duat
During 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In the year 1927 the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels that can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that function on gasoline, diesel, 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 a lot less to buy, but more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads which are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.