Three- vs. Four-wheel Forklifts –Which Is Best For Your Application?

Three-wheel and Four-wheel Forklifts Both Have Specific Advantages

Should I buy three-wheel or  four-wheel forklifts? It’s one of the many decisions forklift buyers are faced with. Are you looking for a forklift for a high-density distribution center or construction site delivering building materials? There are clear-cut cases where one type makes more sense than the other. Let’s take a look at them from an application standpoint. 

Forklifts Maneuverability/Portability 

Here, the winner is the three-wheel forklift. These models are generally smaller, have a smaller turning radius, and can run rings around four-wheel forklifts. In high-density warehouses, distribution centers, and retail stores, three-wheelers can zip around the aisles and turn on a dime. Three-wheelers provide superior maneuverability due to the positioning and turning angle of the rear wheel. This allows for much tighter right angle stacking than a 4-wheeler. In a large warehouse operation, this allows for narrower aisles, thus improving space utilization

Weight and Height Capacity

Four-wheel forklifts are the heavy weights when it comes to capacity. They have capacities of up to 20,000 lb., whereas three-wheel models are generally limited to under 5,500 lb. Heavier loads can cause three-wheel forklifts to be unstable, especially on uneven terrain. Four-wheel lifts are more stable and thus can lift loads to greater heights, with some models offering over 300 in. of lift height. Three-wheelers, by contrast, are limited to about 240 in. in height. 

Rough Terrain/Outdoor Use

Four-wheelers are definitely the lift of choice for working outdoors. Many are specifically designed for carrying loads over uneven surfaces. They are also more stable and can maneuver a load up a steep incline more safely than a three-wheel forklift. Three-wheelers, alternatively, feel most comfortable moving around on a flat, finished floor like a warehouse or distribution center. However, if you are moving and racking loads in a paved yard, a three-wheel forklift will work fine (just not in inclement weather). Using a three-wheel forklift outdoors could spell disaster, as they are not designed to drive over cracks, potholes or uneven surfaces. If your forklift has any chance of being operated on anything but a smooth surface, stay on the safe side and go with a four-wheel, pneumatic forklift.

Power Source

Lead-acid or Li-ion? Since three-wheelers are always battery-powered, you’ll need to decide which type of battery to use.  If your facility is already set up for lead-acid battery charging and storage, that becomes the best option. If you already have Li-ion charging stations, go with that technology. If you don’t want to make the investment in installing the requisite charging equipment, go with a four-wheel IC. 

Cost

In general, three-wheel forklifts, being smaller and having less lifting capacity, are less expensive than four-wheelers. This could be an important factor if you have budget constraints. 

The bottom line is, if you’re not lifting weights over 5,000lbs, if you are operating indoors, if space is a premium, and you are operating a forklift on a smooth consistent surface, a 3-wheel electric is almost always a better choice because of lower operating costs, tighter turns, and zero emissions. If your application requires outdoor operation, uneven surfaces or higher capacities, a 4-wheel model makes more sense.

Your Apex rep can help specify the three- or four-wheel forklift that best fits your application. We can also help you determine whether an internal combustion, lead-acid, or lithium-ion-powered forklift is best suited to your material handling task, whether buying, leasing, or renting. And don’t forget forklift operator training and certification. Each type of forklift comes with its own set of operating and maintenance protocols that drivers must be thoroughly aware of to provide the safest and most efficient movement of materials.

Ready to conquer the forklift world? Give us a shout! Our team is eager to provide personalized guidance and match you with the perfect solution.

 Contact Apex today for prompt service.