The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the first gas powered forklift in the early part of the 20th century. Since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
In the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located within Buchanan, Michigan State, was the manufacturer of the very first Tructractor. Workers made the tractor to make it easier to transport parts within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to make more. The following year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling 75 of the equipment that year.
Duat
In 1923 Clark made 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 the year 1927 the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which could 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 that have internal combustion engines could function utilizing liquid natural gas, liquid propane, diesel or gasoline. These type of forklifts need to be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to buy, but more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads that are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.