The History of the Gas Forklift
In the early 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the first gas powered forklift. Ever since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Located within Buchanan, Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the producer of the very first Tructractor during the year 1917. Employees fabricated the tractor so as to make it easier to transport parts within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, they asked Clark to make 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 very same year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor in 1923. Known as the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery 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 could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which have internal combustion engines can run using liquid natural gas, liquid propane, gasoline or diesel. These kind of forklifts should be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to buy, but more to operate because of the fuel cost. For loads which are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.