The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company made the first gas powered forklift during the early part of the 20th century. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts since that time.
Beginning
During 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located in Buchanan, Michigan, was the producer of the very first Tructractor. Employees made the tractor to make it easier to move components in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, they asked Clark to manufacture more. The following year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark started the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling 75 of the machines that year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor in nineteen twenty three. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During the year 1927 the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels that could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which function on diesel, gasoline, liquid propane or liquid natural gas have internal combustion engines. These type of forklifts should be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to buy, but a lot more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.