Clark 1961 Utilitruc - Forklift Restoration

This is my 1961 Clark Utilitruc Forklift. I purchased it in March of 2009 from my friend Lamar. He owns a machine shop in my business complex. I emailed Clark material handling company and they had all the information about it. Clark Utilitruc model 8018 was shipped to American can in Tampa, Florida on 28 July 1961. The original color was Fire Engine Red. I restored this forklift, tune up, changed fluids, new brakes, fixed motor mount, fabricated/installed a new aluminum radiator, new hoses, thermostat, belts, electrical wiring fuse panel, gauges etc. It weighs 10,925 lbs. It runs great. Its my little red tank. My wife named him Forkie. He is 48 years old. This forklift used to move heavy machine shop equipment around the state of Florida. It lifted around 10,000 lbs of weight daily. It now is retired to light duty work and lifts less than 3000 lbs for my needs. I love old equipment and feel I own a piece of American history. Clark Forklifts are built to last.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• clark
• forklift
• tow motor
• hyster
• yale
• white
• caterpillar
• yardlift
• toyota
• lift
• crown
• nissan
• forks
• c500
• carloader
• trucloader
• clipper

[Flashvette]

You can find parts for these old forklifts from Swift forklift parts/C500 on Ebay. You can also get them from your local Clark dealer. I just found an online site that lets you download 50 forklift manuals for 10.00. All makes, Allis Chambers,Clark, Hyster, Baker,Yale etc. The site is called plansandprojects. I am in the process of restoring a 1963 Clark lift C-40 ex US Navy forklift. I am almost done. Stay tuned for another Clark forklift restoration video. Good Luck

[Flashvette]

Hi. This forklift runs on propane. Some run on gasoline or diesel fuel. If you see a line with a propane fitting coming to the rear then its propane. Forklift engines last a long time when they run on propane. These forklifts are not hard to restore and very easy to work on. If you dont mind getting dirty and doing some work on it. If you want to find out what year and model #. Email Clark with the serial number. If u cant find it. Send a pic of it and they will tell u where to find it.

[hapkidohapkidohapkid]

nice job, i have an old yale that i am getting ready to makeover just the same..thanks for the motivation!!

[Flashvette]

Thank you. It mostly cleaning and painting. I used Rustoleum red and the black paint was Rustoleum hammered paint. Very durable chip free paint. I use this Forklift everyday for my business. Post some pictures/video of your Yale restoration. It would be interesting to see. Good Luck with your forklift.

[LJSJIUJITSU]

Does this thing run off of propane or gasoline? I have an old forklift on my Grandparent's ranch that just may be a Clark. How hard are these to restore?

[dsacebm]

Its a shame but I am junking two 1957 yale 18K pound fork lifts, wish I could find some one to buy and restore them.

[robe5000]

nice job, i've been restoring forklifts for about 9 years, its been a while since ive done and oldie like that

[coolbluelights]

Nice job! not many people would bother to restore an old workhorse like this! I've been operating forklifts professionally for about 8 years and I have a lot of respect for these versatile machines :-)

[poi9990]

great!!! congratulations!!