The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company made the very first gas powered forklift during the early part of the 20th century. Since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
In 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located within Buchanan, Michigan, was the producer of the very first Tructractor. Workers made the tractor in order 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 in Buchanan, selling 75 of the machines that year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor during 1923. Referred to as the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
A gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels and could draw up to five thousand five hundred kilograms, the Clarktor was developed in the year 1927. During the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that run on diesel, gasoline, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts need to be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to buy, but a lot more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.