The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company made the very first gas powered forklift during the early 20th century. 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 State, was the producer of the first Tructractor. Employees made the tractor so as to make it easier to move components in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to make 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 equipment that very same year.
Duat
During 1923 Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
A gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels and can draw up to five thousand five hundred kilograms, the Clarktor was created during nineteen twenty seven. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which have internal combustion engines could function utilizing liquid propane, liquid natural gas, diesel or gasoline. These type of forklifts should be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to buy, but a lot more to operate because of the fuel cost. For loads that are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.