The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the very first gas powered forklift. Since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Situated in Buchanan, Michigan State, the Clark Equipment Company was the manufacturer of the very first Tructractor during the year 1917. Employees fabricated the tractor to make it easier to transport components in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to build more. The following year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling 75 of the machines that year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor during nineteen twenty three. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In 1927 the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During 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, gasoline or diesel. These kind of forklifts should be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to buy, but much more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.