The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the first gas powered forklift. Ever since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Located in Buchanan, State of Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the producer of the first Tructractor during the year 1917. Employees made the tractor to make it easier to transport components within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, they asked Clark to make more. The following year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark started the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machines 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
In 1927 the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During the year 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that run on gasoline, diesel, liquid propane or liquid natural gas have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts need to 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 because of the fuel cost. For loads which are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.