The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the very first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts since that time.
Beginning
In the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated in Buchanan, Michigan State, was the maker of the very first Tructractor. Employees fabricated the tractor to make it easier to move parts within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, they asked Clark to manufacture more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark started the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling 75 of the machinery that year.
Duat
During nineteen twenty three Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Referred to as 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 could draw up to 5,500 kilograms, the Clarktor was developed in 1927. In 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which have internal combustion engines can function using liquid propane, liquid natural gas, gasoline or diesel. These type of forklifts should be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to buy, but a lot more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads that are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.