The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the very first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
Situated in Buchanan, Michigan State, the Clark Equipment Company was the producer of the first Tructractor during 1917. Employees fabricated the tractor to make it easier to move parts in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to manufacture more. The next 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 made a gas-powered tow tractor in the year 1923. Known as the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
A gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels and can draw up to 5,500 kilograms, the Clarktor was created during 1927. In 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which run on diesel, gasoline, liquid propane or liquid natural gas have internal combustion engines. These type of forklifts have to be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to buy, but much more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.