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

Beginning
Located within Buchanan, State of Michigan, the Clark Equipment Company was the manufacturer of the very first Tructractor in the year 1917. Workers made the tractor so as to make it easier to transport components within the plant. When visitors came to the plant and saw the equipment, they asked Clark to build more. The next year Clark sold eight Tructractors, and the year after that Clark began the Clark Tructractor Company within Buchanan, selling 75 of the machines that year.

Duat
Clark manufactured a gas-powered tow tractor in the year 1923. Known as the "Duat," this three-wheeled machinery later developed into the modern gas-powered forklift.

Improved Models
During the year 1927 the Clarktor was developed, a gas-powered tow tractor with four wheels that can draw up to 5,500 kilograms. During 1928 the Tructier model was manufactured. It became the foundation for a modern line of gas-powered forklifts.

Forklifts that function on gasoline, diesel, liquid natural gas or liquid propane have internal combustion engines. These type of forklifts should be refueled either at on-site fueling stations or with gas canisters. Internal combustion forklifts cost less to buy, but more to operate because of the fuel cost. For loads that are more than 6,800 kilograms, an internal combustion forklift is suggested.