The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company made the very first gas powered forklift during the early 20th century. Since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
During the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated within Buchanan, Michigan State, was the maker of the very first Tructractor. Workers fabricated the tractor to make it easier to transport parts 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 began the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling seventy five of the equipment that year.
Duat
In the year 1923 Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. 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 can draw up to five thousand five hundred kilograms, the Clarktor was developed in the year 1927. During the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which run on diesel, gasoline, liquid propane or liquid natural gas have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts need to be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to purchase, but much more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads that are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.