The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the very first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts since that time.
Beginning
Located within Buchanan, Michigan State, the Clark Equipment Company was the producer of the very first Tructractor during 1917. Employees made the tractor so as to make it easier to move components within 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 in Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machinery that very same year.
Duat
During 1923 Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During the year 1927 the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which have internal combustion engines could function utilizing liquid natural gas, liquid propane, gasoline or diesel. These kind of forklifts must be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. 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.