The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the very first gas powered forklift. Since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
In the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located within Buchanan, Michigan State, was the maker of the very first Tructractor. Workers made 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 following year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark started the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling 75 of the machinery that year.
Duat
During the year 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During the year 1927 the Clarktor was created, 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 basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that run on diesel, gasoline, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts have to be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to buy, but a lot more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.