The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the first gas powered forklift. Ever since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
In 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located in Buchanan, Michigan, was the producer of the 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 machine, they asked Clark to build more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machinery that same year.
Duat
During nineteen twenty three Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During nineteen twenty seven the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels that could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that run on gasoline, diesel, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts must be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to buy, but much more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.