The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company made the very first gas powered forklift in the early 20th century. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
Situated within Buchanan, Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the producer of the first Tructractor during 1917. Employees fabricated the tractor so as to make it easier to move components in 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 started the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling 75 of the machines that year.
Duat
In 1923 Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Referred to as the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In 1927 the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which run on gasoline, diesel, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts have to be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to purchase, but more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.