The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the first gas powered forklift. Ever since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Situated within Buchanan, Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the first Tructractor in 1917. Employees made the tractor so as to make it easier to transport components in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to manufacture 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 equipment that same year.
Duat
During the year 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Known 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 that can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which have internal combustion engines can run utilizing liquid natural gas, liquid propane, diesel or gasoline. These type of forklifts must be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to buy, but more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.