The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the very first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
During the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located within Buchanan, Michigan, was the maker of the first Tructractor. Workers fabricated the tractor in order to make it easier to transport parts within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, they asked Clark to build more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machines that year.
Duat
In 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During nineteen twenty seven the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels that can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During 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, gasoline or diesel. These kind of forklifts should be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to buy, but more to operate because of the fuel cost. For loads which are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.