The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the first gas powered forklift. Ever since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
During the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located within Buchanan, Michigan State, was the producer of the first Tructractor. Workers fabricated the tractor to make it easier to move components within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, they asked Clark to manufacture more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark started the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machinery that very same year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor in nineteen twenty three. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During the year 1927 the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels that could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the foundation 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 kind of forklifts must be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to buy, but much more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads which are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.