The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company made the very first gas powered forklift in the early 20th century. Since that time, Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts.
Beginning
In the year 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated within Buchanan, Michigan State, was the maker of the very first Tructractor. Employees made the tractor in order to make it easier to move components in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machine, 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 very same year.
Duat
In the year 1923 Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery 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 that can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. In 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 run using liquid natural gas, liquid propane, gasoline or diesel. These kind of forklifts should be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to buy, but a lot more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads that are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.