The History of the Gas Forklift
During the early part of the 20th century, the Clark Equipment company manufactured the first gas powered forklift. Clark has led the business in gas-powered forklifts ever since that time.

Beginning
Situated within Buchanan, Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the maker of the very first Tructractor during the year 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 manufacture more. The following year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company in Buchanan, selling 75 of the machinery that year.

Duat
Clark made a gas-powered tow tractor in nineteen twenty three. Called the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery 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 1928 the Tructier model was built. It became the basis for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.

Forklifts that function 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 much less to purchase, but more to operate due to the cost of fuel. For loads that are over 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is recommended.