The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
In the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated in Buchanan, Michigan State, was the producer of the first Tructractor. Employees fabricated the tractor to make it easier to move parts within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, they asked Clark to build 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 machinery that year.
Duat
Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor during 1923. Known 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 5,500 kilograms, the Clarktor was created during the year 1927. In 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that function on gasoline, diesel, liquid propane or liquid natural gas have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts must be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to buy, but a lot more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.