The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the first gas powered forklift during the early part of the 20th century. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts since that time.
Beginning
In the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located in Buchanan, Michigan, was the manufacturer of the very first Tructractor. Employees made the tractor in order to make it easier to move parts within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, they asked Clark to make 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 equipment that very same year.
Duat
During the year 1923 Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Referred to as the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In nineteen twenty seven the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels that can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which function on gasoline, diesel, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These type of forklifts have to 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 due to the cost of fuel. For loads which are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.