The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company made the first gas powered forklift in the early 20th century. Since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Situated in Buchanan, Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the producer of the very first Tructractor in 1917. Workers fabricated the tractor in order to make it easier to move parts within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, 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 machinery that year.
Duat
In nineteen twenty three Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine 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 created in nineteen twenty seven. During the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that function on gasoline, diesel, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These type of forklifts must 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 because of the fuel cost. For loads that are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.