The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the very first gas powered forklift. Since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
In 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated within Buchanan, Michigan, was the maker of the very first Tructractor. Workers fabricated the tractor to make it easier to move components in 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 seventy five of the machinery that year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor in the year 1923. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment 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 which could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During the year 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that have internal combustion engines could function utilizing liquid natural gas, liquid propane, gasoline or diesel. 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 more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.