The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the very first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
Situated within Buchanan, State of Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the first Tructractor in 1917. Employees fabricated the tractor so as to make it easier to move parts in 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 in Buchanan, selling 75 of the equipment that same year.
Duat
During the year 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Known as the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
A gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels and can draw up to five thousand five hundred kilograms, the Clarktor was created during 1927. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that function 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 much less to purchase, but more to operate because of the fuel cost. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.