The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the very first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
In the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated within Buchanan, Michigan, was the maker of the first Tructractor. Employees fabricated 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 build more. The following 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 year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor in nineteen twenty three. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During nineteen twenty seven the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that have internal combustion engines can run utilizing liquid natural gas, liquid propane, diesel or gasoline. These type of forklifts need to be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to purchase, but much more to operate because of the fuel cost. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.