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 since that time.
Beginning
During the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located within Buchanan, Michigan State, was the manufacturer of the first Tructractor. Employees made the tractor in order to make it easier to move parts within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, they asked Clark to build more. The following year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling 75 of the machines that same year.
Duat
Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor in the year 1923. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
A gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels and can draw up to five thousand five hundred kilograms, the Clarktor was created in nineteen twenty seven. During 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. 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 type of forklifts must be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to purchase, but a lot more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.