The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
Situated within Buchanan, Michigan State, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the first Tructractor during the year 1917. Employees made the tractor so as to make it easier to transport components within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, 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
In 1923 Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In the year 1927 the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels that can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that run on diesel, gasoline, 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 less to purchase, but a lot more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.