The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company made the very first gas powered forklift during the early 20th century. Since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Situated within Buchanan, State of Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the producer of the first Tructractor during the year 1917. Workers made the tractor so as to make it easier to transport parts 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 within Buchanan, selling seventy five of the equipment that same year.
Duat
In 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During 1927 the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels that can 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 that run on diesel, gasoline, liquid propane or liquid natural gas 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 less to buy, but a lot more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.