Clark propane forklifts are internal combustion (IC) lift trucks powered by liquid propane gas (LPG), offering a reliable alternative to electric and diesel models. Known for their durability, fast refueling, and consistent power output, Clark propane forklifts are widely used in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and indoor/outdoor mixed operations.
Why Choose a Propane Forklift?
Propane forklifts offer several distinct advantages over electric and diesel alternatives:
Consistent Power Throughout the Shift
Unlike electric forklifts that lose power as the battery discharges, propane forklifts deliver 100% power throughout operation, maintaining peak performance from full tank to empty. One 33-pound propane cylinder typically covers an entire eight-hour shift.
Fast Refueling
Refueling a propane forklift takes just minutes—simply swap an empty tank for a full one. This eliminates the lengthy charging downtime required for electric forklifts, making propane ideal for multi-shift operations.
Lower Emissions than Diesel
Propane is a clean-burning fuel that significantly reduces emissions compared to diesel. Compared with diesel, propane forklifts reduce NOx and hydrocarbon emissions by up to 94 percent. This makes propane suitable for indoor use where diesel would be prohibited.
Cost-Effective Acquisition
The capital costs of propane forklifts are almost 30 percent lower than those for electric models when factoring in required refueling and recharging infrastructure. Propane engines also require fewer oil changes and have lower maintenance costs than gasoline engines.
Indoor/Outdoor Versatility
Propane forklifts can operate both indoors and outdoors without the limitations of electric models on rough surfaces or the emissions concerns of diesel in enclosed spaces.
Clark Propane Forklift Models
Clark offers a wide range of propane-powered forklifts across multiple capacity classes, from light-duty 1.5-ton models to heavy-duty 9-ton industrial trucks.
Model Series Capacity Engine Key Applications
C-Series 1.5 – 5.0 tons PSI 2.0L – 4.3L LPG Compact warehouses, light manufacturing
S-Series 2.5 – 9.0 tons Ford 2.5L / Kubota WG3800 Distribution centers, heavy industry
C500 Series 4.0 – 9.0 tons Water-cooled LPG High-capacity industrial applications
Key Model Specifications:
Model Capacity Mast Lift Height Engine Power Weight
Clark C15 1.5 t Simplex 3.3 m 36.8 kW —
Clark C25L 5,000 lbs — 15'7" 47.5 HP —
Clark C500 6,000 lbs 2-stage 130" Water-cooled —
Clark S25L 5,000 lbs 3-stage 189" S10 Clark LP Motor ~8,917 lbs
Clark S32C 3.2 t — — Ford 2.5L (52 kW) —
Clark S45L 9,000 lbs — 189" — 15,873 lbs
Clark S45 s L 4.5 t Simplex 3.3 m Kubota WG3800 (63.6 kW) 6.275 t
Clark CC25 5,000 lbs 3-stage 189" LPG —
Clark C500 70 7.0 t — — — —
Clark DPL 90 9.0 t — — — 13.8 t
Clark C60/70/75/80 6.0 – 8.0 t — — — —
Key Features of Clark Propane Forklifts
Engine Options
Clark propane forklifts are powered by a range of LPG engines:
PSI 2.0L engine: Powers C15 models with 36.8 kW output.
PSI 4.3L engine: Powers 4-ton to 7-ton class forklifts.
Ford 2.5L engine: Powers S32C models with 52 kW output.
Kubota WG3800: Powers S45 s L models with 63.6 kW output.
Mast Options
Clark forklifts are available with various mast configurations:
Simplex (2-stage) mast: Standard for basic models, 3.3m lift height for up to 10-ton capacity.
Duplex (2-stage) mast: Two lifting sections for moderate heights (e.g., C500 with 130" lift).
Triplex (3-stage) mast: Three lifting sections for maximum height (e.g., S25L with 189" lift).
Tire Options
Cushion tires: Solid rubber for smooth indoor floors, providing tight maneuverability.
Pneumatic tires: Air-filled for outdoor and uneven surfaces.
Transmission Options
Powershift (automatic): Standard on most modern models for ease of operation.
Manual transmission: Available on older models (e.g., C500).
Safety Features
Overhead guard with safety bars
Seat belts
Backup alarms
Side shift for precise load positioning
Clark Propane Forklift Pricing (2026)
Prices vary widely based on model, age, hours, condition, and specifications.
New Clark Propane Forklifts:
2025 Clark S45L (9,000 lb capacity): New unit, price on request
Clark CC25 (5,000 lb, CSA certified): Refurbished market $12,000–$16,000 CAD
Used Clark Propane Forklifts (Auction & Dealer Prices):
Model Year Hours Price Source
Clark C25L — 2,174 Auction BigIron
Clark C500 — 1,847 Auction BigIron
Clark CGP25 2001 — $9,160 retail Forklift-International
Clark CMP-15L — 11,136 $2,400 Proxibid
Clark C25C — — $4,180 Purple Wave
Clark GCS25MC — — $2,225 starting bid Teitsworth
Clark GPS30MB — — $2,860 Purple Wave
Clark GCS-15 — — $742.50 Purple Wave
Rental Rates:
Clark CGP25 daily rental: $110/day
Where to Buy Clark Propane Forklifts
Clark propane forklifts are available through a network of over 216 full-service Clark dealerships across North America. Authorized dealers provide new equipment inventory, pre-owned units, parts, and service.
Online Marketplaces:
Machinio: New and used Clark propane forklifts
BigIron Auctions: Unreserved online auctions for Clark forklifts
Purple Wave: Used Clark forklifts at auction
ForkliftTrader.com: New and used listings
eLiftruck.com: New Clark units (e.g., 2025 S45L)
Authorized Clark Dealers:
Clark's "Best in Class" dealer network provides full-service support across the US, Mexico, and Canada. Dealers offer:
New equipment sales
Pre-owned units
Parts and service
Operator training
Leasing and financing
Propane Tank and Fuel Considerations
Clark propane forklifts operate on standard 33-pound or 43-pound propane cylinders. The propane system includes:
Propane regulator: Reduces pressure from the tank to 3–5.5 psi and vaporizes the LPG using engine coolant heat.
Propane tank: Mounted on the rear of the truck for easy exchange.
Fuel system: The vaporized propane mixes with air and is ignited by a spark plug, creating pressure that moves the pistons to power the hydraulic pump and wheels.
Propane tank not included with some used and refurbished units; tank brackets and upgrade kits are available.
The bottom line: Clark propane forklifts offer consistent power, fast refueling, lower emissions than diesel, and significant cost savings compared to electric models. Available in capacities from 1.5 to 9.0 tons, Clark's propane lineup includes the C-Series (1.5–5.0 tons), S-Series (2.5–9.0 tons), and C500 Series (4.0–9.0 tons). Key models include the C25L (5,000 lbs, 47.5 HP), S32C (3.2 tons, 52 kW Ford engine), S45L (9,000 lbs), and S45 s L (4.5 tons, 63.6 kW Kubota engine). Prices range from under $1,000 for older auction units to over $12,000 for refurbished CSA-certified models and higher for new units. Propane forklifts are ideal for high-duty cycle indoor/outdoor operations, manufacturing, and distribution centers where fast refueling and consistent power are priorities.