The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the very first gas powered forklift in the early part of the 20th century. Ever since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
During the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated within Buchanan, Michigan State, was the manufacturer of the first Tructractor. Workers fabricated the tractor in order to make it easier to transport parts 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 within Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machines that year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor during 1923. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During 1927 the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. 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 run using liquid propane, liquid natural gas, diesel or gasoline. These type of forklifts must be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to buy, but more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.