The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the very first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
During the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located in Buchanan, Michigan State, was the manufacturer of the first Tructractor. Workers fabricated the tractor to make it easier to move components in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, they asked Clark to build more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark started the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling 75 of the machines that year.
Duat
During the year 1923 Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Referred to as 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 in the year 1927. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that run on gasoline, diesel, liquid propane or liquid natural gas have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts must be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to purchase, but a lot more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.