The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the first gas powered forklift during the early part of the 20th century. 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 producer of the very 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 very same year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor during nineteen twenty three. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In nineteen twenty seven the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which function on diesel, gasoline, liquid propane or liquid natural gas have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts need to be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to purchase, but more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads that are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.