The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the very first gas powered forklift during the early 20th century. Since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
In the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated in Buchanan, Michigan State, was the maker of the first Tructractor. Employees fabricated the tractor in order to make it easier to move 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 in Buchanan, selling 75 of the machines that very same year.
Duat
In 1923 Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment 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 that can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which function on diesel, gasoline, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts have to be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to buy, but much more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads that are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.