The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the very first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
Located in Buchanan, State of Michigan, 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 transport parts in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to manufacture more. The next 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 very same year.
Duat
In nineteen twenty three Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During nineteen twenty seven the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels that could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In 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 using liquid propane, liquid natural gas, diesel or gasoline. These type of forklifts have to be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to buy, but more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads which are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.