The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company made the first gas powered forklift in the early 20th century. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
During the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated within Buchanan, Michigan State, was the producer of the first Tructractor. Employees fabricated the tractor to make it easier to transport parts within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, they asked Clark to manufacture 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 machines that very same year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor in nineteen twenty three. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During 1927 the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels that can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which have internal combustion engines could function using liquid propane, liquid natural gas, diesel or gasoline. These type of forklifts need to be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to purchase, but more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.