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. Ever since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
During the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated in Buchanan, Michigan State, was the producer of the first Tructractor. Workers made the tractor to make it easier to transport components within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to make more. The following year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark started the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machines that year.
Duat
Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor in nineteen twenty three. Known 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 could draw up to five thousand five hundred kilograms, the Clarktor was developed in the year 1927. During the year 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that have internal combustion engines could run using liquid natural gas, liquid propane, 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 much more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.