The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts since that time.
Beginning
In 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located in Buchanan, Michigan State, was the producer of the first Tructractor. Workers fabricated the tractor in order to make it easier to transport components within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, 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 seventy five of the machinery that year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor during 1923. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
A gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels and could draw up to 5,500 kilograms, the Clarktor was created in 1927. In 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which run on gasoline, diesel, liquid natural gas or liquid propane 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 less to buy, but more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.