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 industry in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
Situated within Buchanan, Michigan State, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the first Tructractor during 1917. Employees fabricated the tractor to make it easier to transport parts 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 in Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machines that same year.
Duat
In 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
During 1927 the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels that can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which function on diesel, gasoline, liquid propane or liquid natural gas have internal combustion engines. These kind of forklifts must be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost much less to purchase, but more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.