The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the very first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
In 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located in Buchanan, Michigan State, was the maker of the first Tructractor. 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 make 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 machinery that year.
Duat
Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor during the year 1923. Called 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. During the year 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that have internal combustion engines could function utilizing liquid propane, liquid natural gas, diesel or gasoline. These kind of forklifts must be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to purchase, but more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads which are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.