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. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.
Beginning
Situated in Buchanan, State of Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the very first Tructractor in the year 1917. Employees fabricated the tractor to make it easier to move parts in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to build 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 manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor during 1923. Named 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 can draw up to 5,500 kilograms, the Clarktor was created in nineteen twenty seven. In 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that have internal combustion engines could function utilizing liquid natural gas, liquid propane, gasoline or diesel. These kind of forklifts have to be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to buy, but much more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.