The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the very first gas powered forklift during the early 20th century. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
Located in Buchanan, State of Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the manufacturer of the first Tructractor during 1917. Workers fabricated the tractor to make it easier to move components in 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 75 of the machines that year.
Duat
Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor in nineteen twenty three. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
A gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels and can draw up to five thousand five hundred kilograms, the Clarktor was developed in 1927. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that have internal combustion engines could function using liquid propane, liquid natural gas, gasoline or diesel. These kind of forklifts must be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to purchase, but much more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads that are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.