The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early 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 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located in Buchanan, Michigan State, was the maker of the first Tructractor. Employees made the tractor to make it easier to move parts in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to build more. The following 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
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor in 1923. Referred to as the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In 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 built. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which run on diesel, gasoline, liquid propane or liquid natural gas 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 less to purchase, but more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.