What’s the Difference Between Three-Wheel and Four-Wheel Forklifts in Lafayette, LA?

December 17, 2018 9:25 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Are you trying to decide what type of forklift you’ll purchase or rent for your facility? There are a lot more options than you might expect if you haven’t done much forklift research before, and each of these options is made for different applications. Perhaps the biggest differences occur between the three-wheel and four-wheel forklift varieties.

So how exactly does a four-wheel forklift differ from a three-wheel forklift in Lafayette, LA and vice versa? Here’s some information to consider.

Three-wheel forklifts

One of the biggest benefits associated with three-wheel forklifts is that they are generally known for being more easily maneuverable. They have a much smaller turning radius than four-wheel forklifts, which makes them an ideal option for facilities in which there is limited space to navigate and operate. This maneuverability is the result of a counterbalance that makes for sharper turns.

Three-wheel forklifts are ideal for applications that require both indoor and outdoor operation and rack loading. Their maneuverability allows for increased productivity in even smaller areas.

The three-wheel forklift with electric drive will have a dual steering wheel mounted in a central location beneath the counterweight. Because it’s an electric drive, this means you can expect lighter load limits—load capacities for three-wheel forklifts often do not exceed 2,500 kg.

In general, three-wheel forklifts are idea for indoor warehouses that have smooth floor surfaces and smaller, more compact spaces. They are suitable for just about any type of industry—you’ll often see them in garden centers, building warehouses and industrial facilities of all types. Keep in mind that there are some limitations to where you can operate a three-wheel forklift. You cannot, for example, use one on gravel or other loose types of terrain, as there is a little less stability when turning or navigating.

Four-wheel forklifts

Four-wheel forklifts have better gradeability than the three-wheel varieties. This is important for any companies that have larger warehouses that need to move heavier machinery and equipment in steeper areas.

With four-wheels, most of these forklifts will have heavier load capacities than their three-wheel counterparts. They are also more capable of traversing rough terrains and flooring. While they do not have the same small turning radius that three-wheel forklifts do, they are more versatile in the amounts and types of materials and equipment they can lift. Most four-wheel forklifts are capable of handling up to 8,000 kg, and will remain stable while driving over looser, more rugged surfaces.

You can expect to see four-wheel forklifts at many hardware stores and retail outlets in addition to various types of industrial facilities, such as manufacturing plants and industrial warehouses.

Ultimately, your decision as to the type of forklift you choose comes down primarily to the type of facility you have and what you need out of your forklift operations. To learn more about the differences between three-wheel and four-wheel forklifts in Lafayette, LA and the advantages and disadvantages associated with each, we encourage you to contact the team at George’s Lift Truck Service, LLC today. We specialize in forklift sales in Lafayette, LA and would be more than happy to help you get acquainted with your options!

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