The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the very first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
Located in Buchanan, Michigan State, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the very first Tructractor in 1917. Workers fabricated the tractor to make it easier to transport components within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, 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 seventy five of the machines that year.
Duat
Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor during the year 1923. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In 1927 the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels that could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In 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 kind of forklifts have to be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to buy, but much more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.