The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the very first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
Situated within Buchanan, State of Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the producer of the first Tructractor during 1917. Employees made the tractor to make it easier to move components in 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 started the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling seventy five of the equipment that year.
Duat
Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor in nineteen twenty three. Referred to as 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 developed in 1927. During the year 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that run on diesel, gasoline, liquid propane or liquid natural gas have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts should be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to purchase, but a lot more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads which are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.