The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company made the first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts since that time.
Beginning
In 1917, the Clark Equipment Company, situated within Buchanan, Michigan, was the maker of the very first Tructractor. Workers fabricated the tractor so as to make it easier to move parts within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to build more. The following 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 same year.
Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor in nineteen twenty three. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled equipment later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.
Improved Models
A gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels and could draw up to 5,500 kilograms, the Clarktor was created during nineteen twenty seven. In the year 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.
Forklifts which have internal combustion engines can function utilizing liquid propane, liquid natural gas, gasoline or diesel. These kind of forklifts need to be refueled either with gas canisters or at on-site fueling stations. Internal combustion forklifts cost a lot less to buy, but more to operate because of the cost of fuel. For loads that are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.