The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts since that time.
Beginning
Situated in Buchanan, State of Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the first Tructractor in 1917. Workers fabricated the tractor to make it easier to transport components in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to manufacture 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 equipment that year.
Duat
Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor during the year 1923. Named 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 created in the year 1927. 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 run utilizing liquid natural gas, liquid propane, diesel or gasoline. These type 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 more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.