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 industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
During 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located within Buchanan, Michigan State, was the manufacturer of the very first Tructractor. Workers fabricated the tractor to make it easier to transport parts within 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 began the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling 75 of the machines that same year.
Duat
Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor during 1923. Called 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 could draw up to five thousand five hundred kilograms, the Clarktor was created in nineteen twenty seven. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which have internal combustion engines could run utilizing liquid natural gas, liquid propane, gasoline or diesel. These kind of forklifts should be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to purchase, but more to operate because of the fuel cost. For loads that are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.