The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early 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
During 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, located in Buchanan, Michigan, was the maker of the very first Tructractor. Employees 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 began the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling 75 of the equipment that year.
Duat
Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor during 1923. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In the year 1927 the Clarktor was developed, 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 that run on diesel, gasoline, liquid propane or liquid natural gas have internal combustion engines. These type of forklifts must be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to purchase, but much more to operate due to the fuel cost. For loads that are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.