Three Axle Rigid Vehicles

Three axle Rigid Trucks offer a lot more options than the two axle trucks and with the correct configuration the largest models of forklift can be carried with ease. As a rule of thumb a minimum of 35% of the total weight should be on the front axle although this can vary between manufacturer and more importantly specification.

A 6x4 truck will require the highest proportion of weight on the front axle due to the high resistance from the double drive axle when turning. For a 6x2 truck the turning resistance is lower so the proportion of weight on the front axle may be reduced. This may be reduced even further if the rear non-driving axle is steering.

Lifting Axles can also provide advantages. If manoeuvrability isn't a problem then a mid-lift axle will offer the chance to run with a axle up most often (especially with the bigger forklifts) giving the best opportunity for reduced tyre wear. Whereas a rear lift axle will give the vehicle much better manoeuvrability because it shortens the turning circle but the downside of a rear lift axle is that the rear overhang is lengthened when the axle is lifted. This can cause weight distribution problems when using the larger forklifts meaning the axle can only be lifted when travelling at low speed; for example turning in a yard.