The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the very first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts since that time.
Beginning
Located in Buchanan, Michigan State, the Clark Equipment Company was the producer of the very first Tructractor during 1917. 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 manufacture more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark started the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling 75 of the machinery that very same year.
Duat
Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor during the year 1923. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During 1927 the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis 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 need to 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 because of the fuel cost. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.