The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the first gas powered forklift in the early part of the 20th century. Since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
In the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located within Buchanan, Michigan, was the producer of the first Tructractor. Workers made the tractor in order to make it easier to move parts in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to manufacture more. The following year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark started the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling 75 of the equipment that year.
Duat
During the year 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. 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 can draw up to five thousand five hundred kilograms, the Clarktor was developed during the year 1927. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which run on diesel, gasoline, liquid propane or liquid natural gas 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 a lot less to purchase, but more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads which are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.