The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the first gas powered forklift. Ever since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
During 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated within Buchanan, Michigan State, was the manufacturer of the first Tructractor. Employees fabricated the tractor so as to make it easier to move parts in 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 machines that same year.
Duat
In the year 1923 Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Known as the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During 1927 the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that have internal combustion engines could run utilizing liquid propane, liquid natural gas, diesel or gasoline. These kind of forklifts should be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to purchase, but much more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.