What You Need to Know
Wheelbase is one of the key parameters in vehicle construction – whether for forklifts , aerial work platforms , or other construction machinery. It describes the distance between the front and rear axles and directly influences maneuverability, driving stability, and load-bearing capacity . Especially in industrial applications, wheelbase determines efficiency and safety.
This guide explains how to measure wheelbase, its impact on driving behavior, and how to select the optimal wheelbase for your intended use using concrete practical examples.
What is the wheelbase?
The wheelbase refers to the distance from the center of the front axle to the center of the rear axle of a vehicle. This distance is technically easy to measure, but crucial for ride comfort, stability, and maneuverability .
As a general rule: a longer wheelbase provides smoother running and greater stability, while a shorter wheelbase offers better maneuverability and improved cornering. For forklifts, platforms, and transport vehicles, the interplay between length, weight, and center of gravity is crucial for stability and to prevent tipping.
How does the wheelbase affect the handling?
Maneuverability and cornering behavior
A short wheelbase allows for tight turning maneuvers – ideal for warehouses or internal transport where space is limited. Vehicles with a longer wheelbase, on the other hand, offer smooth straight-line tracking and high stability at higher speeds or with heavy loads.
Driving comfort
The longer the wheelbase, the more evenly the impact energy is distributed when encountering bumps. This means smoother handling and less vibration – particularly relevant for telescopic and off-road platforms. Shorter wheelbases, on the other hand, offer a more direct but also harsher ride.
Load distribution and traction
The wheelbase determines how the load is distributed between the front and rear axles. For forklifts, a longer wheelbase means more traction and stability – especially with heavy loads or on uneven surfaces. Conversely, a wheelbase that is too short can increase the tipping moment.
Interior space and size
For vehicles with a cabin or platform (e.g., telescopic platforms), a longer wheelbase provides more space and better weight distribution. In confined spaces, however, a compact design with a short wheelbase is advantageous.
How is the wheelbase measured?
The wheelbase is given in millimeters (mm) and depends on the vehicle class and intended use:
- Compact and warehouse forklifts: 1,400 – 1,800 mm
- Front forklift (2.5 t): approx. 1,500 mm
- Heavy-duty forklifts: up to 2,500 mm
- Work platforms: 1,400 – 3,800 mm depending on the design
The measurement is taken from axle center to axle center. For vehicles with all-wheel drive or articulation joints, the central pivot point of the steering axle serves as the reference point.
Wheelbase in construction machinery – What role does it play?
In commercial applications, the wheelbase determines stability, maneuverability, and load-bearing capacity . Especially with forklifts and aerial work platforms, matching the wheelbase to the operating location and load is crucial.
Wheelbase of forklifts
Impact on maneuverability
- Short wheelbase: extremely maneuverable, ideal for narrow aisles from 2 m width.
- Long wheelbase: more stable with loads over 2 t, smoother driving comfort in outdoor use.
Traction and stability
A longer wheelbase reduces the tipping moment and improves traction – especially for forklifts with a high center of gravity. This is crucial when moving loads on uneven surfaces or ramps.
Practical examples
| Model | wheelbase | Turning circle | Area of application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota 25 | 1,485 mm | 2,280 mm | Narrow warehouses (2 m aisles) |
| Crown FC 5200 | 1,690–1,830 mm | 1,830 mm | Medium storage areas |
| Manitou TMM 25 | 1,492 mm | 2,463 mm | Heavy-duty and outdoor use |
Wheelbase of aerial work platforms
Agility and stability
- Short wheelbase scissor lifts : ideal for indoor areas, high maneuverability in confined spaces.
- Telescopic platforms with a long wheelbase: more stability when extending the boom, lower tipping moment.
off-road traction
For off-road stages, a longer wheelbase provides better traction and a more even weight distribution. This improves stability on uneven terrain.
Practical examples
| Model | wheelbase | Working height | Outside turning radius | type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haulotte HA20 LE Pro | 2,500 mm | 20.7 m | 4.5 m | Articulated telescope |
| Magni DAB18RT | 2,300 mm | 18.0 m | 4.73 m | Large articulated telescope |
| Genie S-60 | 2,500 mm | 20.6 m | 5.61 m | telescopic platform |
| JLG E450AJ | 2,010 mm | 15.7 m | 3.15 m | Articulated telescope |
Wheelbase and safety
A longer wheelbase increases the so-called standing moment – that is, the resistance to tipping. The crucial factor is the ratio of standing moment to tipping moment (SS = standing moment / tipping moment). The higher this value, the more stable the vehicle.
For forklifts with a 1,800 mm wheelbase, the turning circle is approximately 4.2 m, while for those with a 1,500 mm wheelbase it is about 3.9 m. These values are crucial for planning travel routes and turning radii in warehouses or on construction sites.
Recommended wheelbases according to application
| Mission | wheelbase | Turning circle | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narrow warehouse (2 m) | 1,400–1,500 mm | 2,200–2,300 mm | Toyota 25 |
| Standard bearing | 1,500–1,800 mm | 2,400–2,600 mm |
Toyota FSW 5500 |
| heavy load | 1,800–2,100 mm | 2,600–2,900 mm | Manitou TMM 25 |
| Construction site (uneven) | 2,000–2,500 mm | 3,200–4,000 mm | Genie S-60 |
| High-bay warehouse | 1,200–1,400 mm | 1,800–2,000 mm | reach truck |
| Outdoor stage | 2,500–3,800 mm | 4,500–6,000 mm | JLG 40E |
Conclusion: Which wheelbase is the right one?
The choice of the appropriate wheelbase always depends on the intended use:
- Long wheelbase → More stability, load capacity and comfort – ideal for heavy machinery and off-road use.
- Short wheelbase → Greater maneuverability and compactness – ideal for tight spaces or precise indoor maneuvers.
At BIBERGER you'll find forklifts and aerial work platforms with the optimal wheelbase for your needs – from compact electric forklifts to robust telescopic platforms. Our experts will help you select the right machine – safe, economical, and ready for use.
Share:
Joystick or multifunction control: Which is better?
Forklift work basket vs. real work platform: What is permitted with the forklift?
Our editorial quality standards
The subject content on biberger.de are editorially created, reviewed, and continuously updated. The basis is our daily work with aerial platforms, telehandlers, and industrial trucks – in rental, sales, operational planning, and technical support.
Each article draws on real-world experience and is editorially reviewed for clarity, accuracy, and practical relevance according to expert criteria. Technical statements are regularly compared against current industry standards and best practices.
The aim of our publications is to make reliable specialist knowledge accessible and to offer guidance to users, decision-makers and industry partners. BIBERGER sees itself as an independent information platform for safe, economical and modern height access technology – well-founded, comprehensible and free from advertising influence.