The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the very first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
Situated in Buchanan, Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the manufacturer of the very first Tructractor in the year 1917. Employees made the tractor to make it easier to move 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 started the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling 75 of the equipment that very same year.
Duat
During 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During nineteen twenty seven the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels that can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which have internal combustion engines could function utilizing liquid natural gas, liquid propane, diesel or gasoline. These type of forklifts should be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to purchase, but much more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads that are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.