The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the first gas powered forklift. Ever since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
In the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located in Buchanan, Michigan State, was the manufacturer of the first Tructractor. Workers fabricated the tractor so as to make it easier to transport parts in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to manufacture 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 machinery that year.
Duat
In the year 1923 Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During 1927 the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels that could 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 that have internal combustion engines can run using liquid natural gas, liquid propane, diesel or gasoline. These kind of forklifts should be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to buy, but much more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads which are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.