The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company made the very first gas powered forklift during the early part of the 20th century. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
In 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated in Buchanan, Michigan State, was the manufacturer of the first Tructractor. Employees made the tractor in order to make it easier to transport components in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to build 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 machines that very same year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor during nineteen twenty three. 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 created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In 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 run utilizing liquid natural gas, liquid propane, gasoline or diesel. These kind of forklifts must 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 fuel cost. For loads which are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.