The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company made the first gas powered forklift during the early 20th century. Ever since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
Located in Buchanan, State of Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the manufacturer of the very first Tructractor during 1917. Workers fabricated the tractor to make it easier to transport parts within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to make more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark started the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling 75 of the machines that year.
Duat
In the year 1923 Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In nineteen twenty seven the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that have internal combustion engines can function utilizing 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 a lot more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.