The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
Located in Buchanan, State of Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the manufacturer of the very first Tructractor during the year 1917. Workers fabricated 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 build more. The following year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machines that same year.
Duat
In nineteen twenty three Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Known as 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 could draw up to five thousand five hundred kilograms, the Clarktor was developed 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 run on diesel, gasoline, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts have to be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to purchase, but more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads that are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.