The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company made the first gas powered forklift in the early part of the 20th century. Ever since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
In the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located in Buchanan, Michigan, was the producer of the first Tructractor. Employees made the tractor in order to make it easier to transport components within 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 started the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling seventy five of the equipment that very same year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor during the year 1923. 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 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis 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 kind of forklifts need to be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to purchase, but a lot more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads which are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.