The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company made the very 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
In the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located in Buchanan, Michigan State, was the producer of the very first Tructractor. Workers 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 make more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark started the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machinery that year.
Duat
Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor in the year 1923. Called 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 created in 1927. During the year 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which have internal combustion engines could function utilizing liquid natural gas, liquid propane, gasoline or diesel. These type of forklifts have to be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to purchase, but much more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.