The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the first gas powered forklift in the early part of the 20th century. Since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Situated within Buchanan, Michigan State, the Clark Equipment Company was the producer of the first Tructractor in 1917. Employees fabricated the tractor so as to make it easier to transport parts in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, they asked Clark to make more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machinery that same year.
Duat
In the year 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In 1927 the Clarktor was developed, 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 foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which have internal combustion engines can run using liquid propane, liquid natural gas, diesel or gasoline. These type of forklifts must be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to buy, but much more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads that are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.