The History of the Gas Forklift
The Clark Equipment Company made the first gas powered forklift during the early part of the 20th century. Clark has led the industry in gas-powered forklifts since that time.
Beginning
Located within Buchanan, State of Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the very first Tructractor during 1917. Employees fabricated the tractor to make it easier to transport components in the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the machinery, they asked Clark to build more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling seventy five of the equipment that year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor in nineteen twenty three. 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 that could draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts that run on diesel, gasoline, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These type of forklifts need to be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to buy, but a lot more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads which are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.