The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the first gas powered forklift. Since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Situated in Buchanan, State of Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the producer of the very first Tructractor in 1917. Workers made the tractor so as 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 75 of the machinery that same year.
Duat
Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor in 1923. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment 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 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which run on diesel, gasoline, liquid propane or liquid natural gas have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts have to be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to buy, but more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads that are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.