The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the very first gas powered forklift. Ever since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Located within Buchanan, Michigan State, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the very first Tructractor during the year 1917. Employees 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 make 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 equipment that same year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor during nineteen twenty three. 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 five thousand five hundred kilograms, the Clarktor was created during 1927. During 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 run using liquid propane, liquid natural gas, gasoline or diesel. These kind of forklifts should be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to buy, but more to operate because of the fuel cost. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.