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 in Buchanan, Michigan State, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the first Tructractor in the year 1917. Employees made the tractor in order to make it easier to move parts within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, they asked Clark to build 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 year.
Duat
In the year 1923 Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During 1927 the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels that could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that run on diesel, gasoline, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts should be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to purchase, but much more to operate because of the fuel cost. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.