The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts since that time.
Beginning
Situated in Buchanan, Michigan State, the Clark Equipment Company was the producer of the very first Tructractor during 1917. Employees fabricated the tractor to make it easier to move components in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to manufacture more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark started the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machinery that same year.
Duat
In 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine 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 nineteen twenty seven. During the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that have internal combustion engines could function utilizing liquid propane, liquid natural gas, diesel or gasoline. These type of forklifts must be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to buy, but more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.