The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the very first gas powered forklift. Since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Located in Buchanan, Michigan State, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the first Tructractor during 1917. Employees made the tractor in order to make it easier to move components within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, they asked Clark to make 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 equipment that year.
Duat
In the year 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During 1927 the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which can 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 have internal combustion engines could function using liquid propane, liquid natural gas, diesel or gasoline. These type of forklifts must be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to purchase, but a lot more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads which are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.