The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the first gas powered forklift in the early 20th century. Ever since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
During 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated in Buchanan, Michigan, was the maker of the first Tructractor. Employees fabricated the tractor to make it easier to transport components in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, 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
During 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In the year 1927 the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which have internal combustion engines can run using liquid natural gas, liquid propane, diesel or gasoline. These kind of forklifts should be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to purchase, but more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads that are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.