The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company made the first gas powered forklift during the early part of the 20th century. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
During the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located within Buchanan, Michigan, was the maker of the very first Tructractor. Employees made the tractor to make it easier to move components in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, they asked Clark to make 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 machines that very same 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 the year 1927 the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels that could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that have internal combustion engines could function using liquid natural gas, liquid propane, diesel or gasoline. These kind of forklifts have to be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to buy, but more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads which are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.