Clark Forklift Parts: Comprehensive Guide to Buying Genuine OEM Replacement Parts

Table of Contents

Summary

If you're in the market for Clark forklift parts, you're likely looking for quality OEM replacement parts. But with so many suppliers and part options available, how do you know which supplier to choose? And once you've found a supplier, how can you be sure that you're getting the best possible price on genuine Clark parts? This comprehensive guide will provide tips and advice on buying Clark lift truck parts to meet your needs and budget.

About Clark Material Handling Company

Clark Material Handling Company has been a leading material handling equipment and machinery supplier for over 50 years. They offer the highest quality replacements and parts for your Clark Forklift Truck. With a longstanding legacy of providing superior quality equipment to the marketplace, their parts are ensured to be of the best possible quality. They take pride in supplying you with all the equipment you need to keep your fleet running for years to come.

Clark Equipment Co., formed in 1916 and named after Eugene Clark, a mechanical engineer with the Illinois Steel Co, was not a big player in the equipment industry. However, what makes Clark Equipment Co. important was its development of the lift truck and its domination in the wheel loader market in the early 1950s. We're marketed under the Michigan brand name Clark's wheel loaders, which left an undeniable mark on the industry.

Company History

In 1903 The Clark Equipment Co. existed as George R. Rich Manufacturing Co., as a side business owned by executives of Illinois Steel Co. The company was named after a mechanic who designed the Celfor Drill to drill holes in steel railroad rails. The company had to expand to a larger facility to increase its client base, and in 1904 relocated to Buchanan, Michigan. Troubling financial times resulted in the company hiring Eugene Clark, a 33-year-old Illinois Steel employee, and mechanical engineer, as a product consultant. Rich Manufacturing was eventually to be renamed Celfor Tool Co. Under Clark’s management, sales were steadily inclined, with the company manufacturing new drills of tungsten steel. In 1909 Clark had traveled to Europe and had learned that using electric furnaces was producing steel casting of a higher quality. Convinced that such a process would take off in the U.S., Clark and his executives at Celfor Tools constructed a new second plant, Buchanan Electric Steel Co. The plant would produce high-quality, high-grade steel castings and new technologies. Eventually, Buchanan Electric Steel Co. was one of the two companies in the U.S. producing steel disc wheels for the automotive industry. As president, Clark has decided to focus on production efforts that turn durable steel trucks wheels, replacing the wooden spoke trucks wheels and a truck axle that replaces chain drives.

Formation of Clark Equipment Co.

In 1916, Clark decided to merge two companies, Buchanan and Celfor Tools, together to form the Clark Equipment Co. The merger provided an opportunity to develop new products, such as a gas-powered shop buggy with a box fixed to three wheels. At first, the truck tractor had a box that could be dumped first by gravity than by doing it mechanically. This Led to a later development allowing the platform truck to lift until all these features were incorporated to create the lift truck that picked up materials, moved them, and then lifted them to be stored.

Early Growth and Diversification

By the mid-1920s, Clark owned four plants and manufactured drills, electric steel castings, reamers, axles, transmissions, wheels, and the truck tractor. Over time, solid profits enabled the company to come out of the 1930s from the Depression relatively unscathed. The company has continued to diversify into other product areas, such as the fast, aluminum railcar prototype for the 1934 World Fair called the Auto tram. The prototype scored Clark a contract to produce undercarriage for trolley streetcars and subway systems for the next twenty years. The company’s Truck tractor was also a high seller. By 1943 sales were $77 million, up from $11.5 four years prior, associating the Clark name with lift trucks.

A Multinational Company - Clark's current production facilities were insufficient to keep the demand. In 1975, Clark built a new facility in Asheville, North Carolina, becoming the first company to head to the south with the obvious benefit of using cheaper labor. By 1973, Clark had broken its $1 billion mark in sales and established plants in the U.K., West Germany, Brazil, France, Argentina, and Australia.

The Demise of Clark

By the 1980s, sales have been greatly impacted by the recession. Lower priced Japanese imports of equipment also dealt a huge blow to the market of lift trucks. The company was faced with the indisputable fact that it had failed by not diversifying its construction equipment line enough to stay competitive. In 1981 Clark announced a full withdrawal from the scraper and motor grader business. Clark, credited for having invented the lift truck in 1928, decided to divest the portion of its business in 1992 to Terex Corp. as it was no longer viable. Clark was not pleased about its lack of control in the joint venture and threatened to publicize its share of the venture. In response, Volvo bought Clark's existing shares for $573 million and ended Clark's forty-year involvement in the wheel loader business. Shortly after that, Clark was approached with another offer from Ingersoll Rand. The company bought all of Clark's existing shares for $1.4 Billion.

The Company Today

Clark Equipment Co. is no longer in existence due to its buyout by Volvo and Ingersoll Rand. Clark Material Handling Co., which exists today, was previously the Industrial Truck Division of Clark Equipment Co.

Besides, Clark offers a variety of forklifts for a variety of applications. They have electric forklifts, gas forklifts, and diesel forklifts. Their electric forklifts are perfect for indoor use, while their gas and diesel forklifts are perfect for indoor and outdoor use.

Let’s discuss each category of Clark forklifts in detail:

Clark IC-Pneumatic Forklift

The Clark IC-Pneumatic Forklift is one of Clark's most popular lift truck models. The Clark IC-Pneumatic Forklift is perfect for indoor and outdoor use, with a load capacity of up to 7,000 pounds. The Clark IC-Pneumatic Forklift also has a maximum lifting height of more than 24 feet, making it the perfect choice for any industrial or commercial setting. The Clark IC-Pneumatic Forklift is a great investment with durable construction and easy-to-use controls.

Clark IC-Cushion Forklift

Clark Forklifts are known for their high quality and durability, and the Clark IC-Cushion Forklift is no exception. Clark IC-Cushion Forklift has been specifically designed to handle heavier loads and higher lifting capacity than other models. It also has a longer maximum lifting height, idealizing larger warehouses or storage facilities.

The main benefit of the Clark IC-Cushion Forklift is its high load capacity. It can handle up to 6,500 pounds or 3,500 kg, perfect for lifting heavier items. It also has a longer maximum lifting height than other forklifts, meaning it can reach higher shelves or storage racks. This makes the Clark IC-Cushion Forklift perfect for use in larger warehouses or storage facilities.

Clark Electric Forklift

Clark electric forklifts are reliable and efficient machines perfect for indoor and outdoor manufacturing, warehousing, and shipping/receiving. They have a load capacity of up to 10,000 pounds or 5000 kg and a maximum lifting height of over 24 feet. Clark electric forklifts are easy to operate and maintain, and they offer a safe, comfortable ride for operators. Whether you need to move cargo around your warehouse or lift heavy equipment at a construction site, Clark electric forklifts are up for the task.

See the features and benefits of Clark Electric Forklifts GEX Series in the video below:

Clark Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks

Clark Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks are forklift trucks used to move goods around in a warehouse or storage facility. They have a narrow aisle width which allows them to fit through tight spaces, and they can lift goods to a height of 12 meters. Clark Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks are available in both electric and petrol versions, and they have a load capacity of up to 3,000 pounds.

Clark Pallet Jacks & Pallet Stackers

Clark Pallet Jacks and Stackers are reliable, efficient machines that can handle various lifting tasks. They can lift 288 pounds and have a maximum lifting height of 48 inches. Clark Pallet Jacks are also known for their long-lasting quality; they can withstand even the most strenuous jobs.

To know more about Clark Pallet Jacks’ features and benefits, see the following video:

Pros and Cons of Buying Clark New, Used and Refurbished Forklift Parts

When it comes time to replace parts on your forklift, you may be wondering whether to buy new, used, or refurbished parts. Each option has its own pros and cons, which we'll explore in this article.

Buying New Clark Parts:

The biggest pro of buying new Clark forklift parts is that they're guaranteed to fit your forklift and be in good working order. You also don't have to worry about compatibility issues with other parts on your forklift. Another pro of new parts is that they usually come with a warranty, which can provide some peace of mind in case something goes wrong.

However, the biggest con of buying new forklift parts is the cost. They can be quite expensive, especially if you need to replace many. Additionally, new parts may not be available for older models of forklifts, so you may have to upgrade your entire forklift if you want to get the newest and best parts.

Buying Used Clark Parts:

The biggest pro of buying used Clark forklift parts is the cost. They're usually much cheaper than new parts, saving you a lot of money if you need to replace multiple parts. Another pro of used parts is that they're often easier to find than new parts since used parts are more commonly available.

However, the biggest con of buying used Clark lift truck parts is that there's no guarantee they'll fit your forklift or be in good working order. You may also have compatibility issues with other parts on your forklift. Additionally, used parts may not come with a warranty, so you could pay for repairs out of pocket if something goes wrong.

Buying Refurbished Clark Parts:

The biggest pro of buying refurbished Clark forklift parts is that they're usually cheaper than new parts and have a warranty. This can provide some peace of mind in case something goes wrong. Another pro of refurbished parts is that they're often easier to find than new parts.

However, the biggest con of buying refurbished Clark parts is that there's no guarantee they'll fit your forklift or be in good working order. You may also have compatibility issues with other parts on your forklift. Additionally, refurbished parts may not come with a warranty, so you could pay for repairs out of pocket if something goes wrong.

So, what's the best option for you? It depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for the best quality parts and don't mind spending more, go with new parts. If you're on a tight budget or don't need the best quality parts, used parts are good. And if you're looking for the cheapest option and don't mind taking a chance on the quality, refurbished parts are the way to go.

Pros and Cons of Buying OEM Specified and Aftermarket Clark Forklift Replacement Parts

When it comes time to replace parts on a Clark forklift, there are two main options: buying OEM specified parts or aftermarket parts. Both have their own set of pros and cons, making it difficult to decide what’s best for your business. Let’s take a look at the key benefits and drawbacks of each option:

Buying OEM-specified Clark Parts

OEM specified parts are made to the exact specifications of the original equipment manufacturer. This means they will fit perfectly and work flawlessly with your Clark forklift. However, they can be more expensive than aftermarket parts.

Pros:

• OEM specified parts are made to fit your specific Clark forklift model and year, so they're guaranteed to fit correctly.

Cons:

• OEM specified parts can be expensive compared to aftermarket parts.

Buying Aftermarket Clark Parts

Aftermarket parts are made to fit a range of different makes and models of Clark forklifts, so they may not be perfect for your machine. However, they are typically much more affordable than OEM-specified parts.

Pros:

• Aftermarket parts are typically less expensive than OEM-specified parts.

Cons:

• There is a greater chance that aftermarket parts will not fit your Clark forklift correctly.

• Quality can be inconsistent, so it's important to do your research before purchasing.

So, what’s the best option for your business? It depends on your specific needs and budget. OEM-specified Clark forklift parts are the way to go if you need parts that will fit perfectly and work flawlessly. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, aftermarket parts are a great choice.

Why Should I Buy Clark Forklift Parts?

Clark forklift parts are built to OEM specifications and are backed by a comprehensive warranty. Buying genuine replacement parts will ensure your forklift operates safely and at peak performance. Besides, using genuine Clark parts will help maintain the value of your forklift.

So, if you're looking for a quality product from a company with experience, then Lift Parts Warehouse is the way to go. Contact us today and let us know what we can do for you.

How to Choose the Right Clark Lift Truck Parts

When selecting replacement parts for your forklift, it is important to consider your machine's make, model, and age. Clark offers a wide range of parts for forklifts, including engine parts, transmission parts, brakes, etc. For older models, Clark also offers refurbished parts that have been reconditioned to meet OEM specifications.

To learn more about forklift parts, see here.

When Should You Replace Your Clark Lift Truck Parts?

It is important to inspect your forklift for wear and tear regularly. If you notice any damage or deterioration, it is important to replace the parts as soon as possible. Clark offers a wide range of replacement parts. Browse our selection to find the perfect part for your forklift.

By keeping an eye on your forklift's parts and replacing them when necessary, you can avoid costly repairs and downtime. So don't wait until something goes wrong to start thinking about your forklift's maintenance - be proactive and stay on top of it to keep your business running smoothly.

Navigate to our category page if you want to learn about Toyota forklift parts too.

Choose Lift Part Warehouse to buy Clark Forklift Parts

There are many reasons to choose Lift Part Warehouse when you need Clark forklift parts. We are an authorized dealer for Clark parts, which means we have access to the highest quality OEM parts. We also offer a wide selection of aftermarket and used parts so that you can find the right part for your needs and budget. And our experienced team is always available to help you find the right part for your forklift.

So why not call us today at (+1) 800-210-8170 and see how we can help you keep your Clark forklift running like new?

Takeaways

If you're a business owner who owns a Clark forklift, this article is for you. We've walked through why it's important to purchase genuine OEM replacement parts and how to make sure that your investment in these parts pays off. You've also learned when to replace your current components before they fail on the job site.