The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the very first gas powered forklift. Since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
During the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated within Buchanan, Michigan, was the manufacturer of the very first Tructractor. Employees made the tractor in order to make it easier to transport components within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, 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 75 of the machines that very same year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor in the year 1923. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
During nineteen twenty seven the Clarktor was created, 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 foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which have internal combustion engines could function using liquid natural gas, liquid propane, gasoline or diesel. These type of forklifts should be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to buy, but a lot more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.