The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the first gas powered forklift. Since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Located in Buchanan, Michigan State, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the very first Tructractor during 1917. Employees fabricated the tractor to make it easier to transport components within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, 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 75 of the machines that year.
Duat
In nineteen twenty three Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During 1927 the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which function on gasoline, diesel, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These type 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 that are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.