Electric 3-wheel forklifts

A 3-wheel forklift is a type of forklift characterized by its design with three wheels. Unlike the more traditional 4-wheel forklifts with a pendulum axle, a 3-wheel forklift has only 1 steering wheel at the rear, or 2 wheels side by side. Here are some features and advantages of 3-wheel forklifts:

Manoeuvrability:

A key advantage of 3-wheel forklifts is their improved manoeuvrability. Due to the design with a single rear wheel, they can turn more easily in tight spaces and narrow aisles.

Compact Design:

3-wheel forklifts are often more compactly designed compared to their 4-wheel counterparts, often in combination with a smaller battery. This makes them shorter and thus more suitable for use in confined spaces, such as warehouses with narrow aisles. A 4-wheel forklift is better suited for uneven terrain or for driving through rain gutters, as the pendulum axle absorbs these irregularities.

Electric Drive:

3-wheel forklifts are powered by electric motors. This makes them suitable for indoor use: no emissions, low noise levels. A version with two drive motors on the mast side has the advantage of sufficient traction, even with a load on the forks. Cheaper versions with rear-wheel drive lose traction as soon as there is a full load on the forks. The safest option is a version with 2 drive motors in the front (e.g., Still R20, Linde E15) rather than a single rear motor (e.g., Still R50, Hyster A1.50).

Capacity:

3-wheel forklifts are available with capacities ranging from 600 to 2,000 kg. Although 3-wheel forklifts are generally machines with a seat, there are exceptions such as the 1,000 kg stand-in forklift from Kion, known as the Linde E10 (334), STILL ESM10, and OM Idea.