The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
In 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located within Buchanan, Michigan, was the maker of the first Tructractor. Employees made the tractor to make it easier to transport components within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to build more. The next 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
Clark manufactured 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 nineteen twenty seven 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 gasoline, diesel, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts must be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to buy, but a lot more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.