The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the first gas powered forklift in the early 20th century. Ever since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Situated in Buchanan, Michigan State, the Clark Equipment Company was the producer of the first Tructractor in the year 1917. Employees made the tractor to make it easier to move components in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, they asked Clark to make more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark started the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling 75 of the machines that same year.
Duat
During 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Named 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 5,500 kilograms, the Clarktor was created in nineteen twenty seven. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which run on diesel, gasoline, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These type of forklifts need to be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to purchase, but a lot more to operate because of the fuel cost. For loads that are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.