The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company made the first gas powered forklift in the early 20th century. Since that time, Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
In 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated in Buchanan, Michigan, was the producer of the very first Tructractor. Employees made the tractor to make it easier to transport parts in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, they asked Clark to manufacture 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 equipment that year.
Duat
Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor during the year 1923. Named the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
In 1927 the Clarktor was created, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels which could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that have internal combustion engines can function using liquid natural gas, liquid propane, diesel or gasoline. These kind of forklifts need to be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to purchase, but a lot more to operate because of the fuel cost. For loads more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.