The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company made the very first gas powered forklift during the early part of the 20th century. Ever since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
In the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located in Buchanan, Michigan State, was the producer of the first Tructractor. Workers made the tractor in order to make it easier to transport components in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, 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 75 of the equipment that very same year.
Duat
During 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Referred to as 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 1927. 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 can run utilizing liquid propane, liquid natural gas, diesel or gasoline. These kind of forklifts must be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to purchase, but much more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.