The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the first gas powered forklift in the early 20th century. Since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Situated in Buchanan, Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the very first Tructractor in 1917. Employees made the tractor to make it easier to move parts within 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 in Buchanan, selling 75 of the machinery that very same year.
Duat
In 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
During 1927 the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. 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 type of forklifts need to be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to purchase, but a lot more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.