The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the first gas powered forklift in the early part of the 20th century. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
In the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located within Buchanan, Michigan State, was the maker of the very first Tructractor. Workers fabricated the tractor so as to make it easier to transport components in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, they asked Clark to build more. The following year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling 75 of the machinery that very same year.
Duat
In the year 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery 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 nineteen twenty seven. During 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 should be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to purchase, but more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.