The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company manufactured the first gas powered forklift during the early part of the 20th century. Ever since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Situated in Buchanan, Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the very first Tructractor in the year 1917. Workers made the tractor in order to make it easier to transport parts within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to manufacture more. The following year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machines that same year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor during nineteen twenty three. 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 1927. During 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which have internal combustion engines could run utilizing liquid natural gas, liquid propane, diesel or gasoline. 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 because of the cost of fuel. For loads which are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.