One-Sentence Summary:
- 3-Wheel: Three wheels for the tightest turning radius, designed specifically for “narrow aisles, light loads, and sensitive floors.”
- 4-Wheel: Four wheels for greater stability and load capacity, the first choice for “heavy-duty, outdoor, uneven ground, and long shifts.”
Performance Comparison Table (Electric Models)
| Key Metric | 3-Wheel Electric Forklift | 4-Wheel Electric Forklift |
|---|---|---|
| Min. Aisle Width | 2.3 – 2.6 m | 2.9 – 3.5 m |
| Rated Load Capacity | 1.0 – 2.5 t | 1.5 – 10 t |
| Center of Gravity | Lower (Battery Rear-Mounted) | Medium-High (Battery Distributed Sideways) |
| Stability & Gradeability | Suitable for indoor floors & gentle slopes ≤ 5° | Suitable for ramps & loading docks ≤ 10° |
| Continuous Operation (Same Battery) | 4 – 6 h | 6 – 10 h (Larger battery options available) |
| Tire Pressure / Floor Impact | Low, protects epoxy, polished, or mezzanine floors | Higher, recommended for robust concrete or asphalt |
| Key Maintenance Points | 2 Drive Motors + 1 Caster Wheel | Front Axle + Rear Axle + Differential |
| Container Shipping | Fits 2 units side-by-side in a 20’GP container | 3t+ models require a 40’HQ container or mast disassembly |
Quick Scenario Matching
✓ Choose a 3-Wheel model if your operation has:
- Aisle widths ≤ 2.5 m (Common in European & Middle Eastern high-bay warehouses)
- Limited floor loading capacity ≤ 500 kg/m² (e.g., multi-story warehouses in Southeast Asia, underground warehouses in South Korea)
- Single-shift operation, with pallet weights typically ≤ 1.5 tons, requiring frequent tight turns.
✓ Choose a 4-Wheel model if your operation has:
- Outdoor yards, container terminals, or uneven ground like in South America/Africa
- A need for high-reach masts (≥6m) while handling full loads
- Multiple shifts, where you need continuous operation without battery changes
Key Considerations for International Buyers
- Certification & Compliance: All our forklifts come with full CE/UKCA certification. Batteries include UN38.3 test reports and MSDS documents for smooth customs clearance.
- Chargers: We provide chargers configured for your region (e.g., CE-marked 220V Single-Phase/380V Three-Phase for Europe; UL/CSA certified for North America).
- Environmental Adaptation: For cold chain (-25°C) applications, we offer optional battery compartment heaters and low-temperature hydraulic oil. 4-wheel models generally offer more space for easier retrofitting.
- Shipping: 3-wheel models can be shipped with folded masts in a 20’GP container. For 4-wheel models over 3 tons, we strongly recommend a 40’HQ container for safe and efficient transport.
FAQ | Can I buy as an individual?
Absolutely. We make international purchasing easy for individual buyers.
We offer a complete DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service for a hassle-free experience. This means:
- We handle all export formalities and international freight.
- Our partnered agent in your country manages all import customs clearance and pays due taxes and duties.
- Your forklift is delivered directly to your specified address.
You simply place your order and provide a delivery address. We take care of the rest.
Your Next Step: Get a Precise Quote
Send us these 4 key details to receive your English datasheet and a formal DDP quote within 24 hours:
- Maximum Load Capacity (kg)
- Maximum Lifting Height (mm)
- Minimum Aisle Width (mm)
- Ground Surface Type (e.g., Epoxy, Concrete, Gravel)
- Target Destination (Country & Zip Code) [Essential for DDP Quote]
Contact Us Today!
📧 Email: info@lesougoods.com
📱 WhatsApp / WeChat: +86 185 3113 1986
We are always online and guarantee a response within 24 hours with a model recommendation and a clear shipping solution.
Get Quality Product Information
We offer rigorously selected forklift products, all equipment meets international quality standards.