The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the very first gas powered forklift in the early 20th century. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
During 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located in Buchanan, Michigan State, was the maker 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 machine, they asked Clark to manufacture more. The following year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machinery that year.
Duat
In the year 1923 Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Named 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 in the year 1927. During the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. 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 type of forklifts should be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to buy, but much more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.