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. Ever since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Located within Buchanan, Michigan State, the Clark Equipment Company was the manufacturer of the very first Tructractor during 1917. Workers made the tractor to make it easier to transport components in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, they asked Clark to build more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling seventy five of the machinery that very same year.
Duat
In nineteen twenty three Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Known as the "Duat," this three-wheeled machine 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 which can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the foundation 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 a lot less to purchase, but much more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads which are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.