News

Whether you’re navigating tight warehouse aisles, working in cold storage, or handling daily material transfers, 3-wheel electric forklifts offer unmatched agility and efficiency. But to unlock their full potential—and keep your team safe—you need to master key operating techniques. Below are practical, actionable tips to elevate your 3-wheel electric forklift use, backed by industry best practices and manufacturer guidelines.

1. Prioritize Pre-Operation Checks to Avoid Unexpected Breakdowns: A 5-minute pre-shift inspection can save hours of downtime and prevent accidents. Focus on these critical areas:

Battery Health: For lithium-ion models, check the BMS display to ensure voltage is between 0.75–1.1 times the rated value. If charging is needed, confirm the charger and electrical lines are intact—flickering indicators or unresponsive ammeters often signal charger faults.

Hydraulic and Steering Systems: Inspect hoses for cracks (especially in cold environments, where low temperatures can cause brittleness) and ensure the mast tilts smoothly (2° forward/4° backward for most models). Test the EPS (Electric Power Steering) for flexibility—stiff steering may indicate low energy efficiency or component wear.

Wheels and Brakes: Check rubber front wheels for grip (replace if worn) and verify that both electric and foot brakes engage properly. For (cold storage) use, ensure tires have anti-slip covers to prevent sliding on icy floors.

2. Master Maneuvering in Tight Spaces (Without Sacrificing Speed): 3-wheel electric forklifts shine in narrow areas, thanks to their small turning radius. But agility requires precision:

Plan Your Path First: Measure aisle widths against the forklift’s overall width (typically 920mm for compact models) and avoid sudden turns—sharp movements increase tip-over risk, especially with loads.

Control Speed Based on Load: When unladen, you can use the full travel speed (up to 5.2km/h for many models), but reduce to 3–4km/h when carrying cargo. In crossroads or blind spots, hit the horn, slow to a crawl, and perform a “KY confirmation” (checking left, right, and front for pedestrians or obstacles).

Elevator and Ramp Safety: When moving between floors, lower the forks to 300mm off the ground (per BYD’s guidelines) and center the forklift in the elevator to avoid weight imbalance. On ramps, use both electric and foot brakes for parking—never rely on one alone.

Example: In retail backrooms with 2m-wide aisles, a 3-wheel forklift can navigate U-turns without rearranging pallets—something 4-wheel models struggle with—cutting transfer time by 20%.

3. Optimize Load Handling to Prevent Tip-Overs (Even on Uneven Floors)

Load Placement Is Key: Position loads as close to the front wheels as possible, with the center of gravity aligned with the load center distance (usually 500mm). For 1000×1000mm pallets (common in logistics), use 1100mm-long forks and secure cargo with straps to prevent shifting.

Avoid Overloading: Never exceed the rated capacity—1000kg for CPDA10, 1500kg for CPDA15, and reduce by 200kg if using a side-shifter. Overloading strains the mast and battery, shortening lifespan and increasing tip risk.

Slow Down on Uneven Ground: If floors are bumpy or sloped, reduce speed to 2–3km/h and keep the load low (forks 100–150mm off the ground). Avoid sudden stops—jerky movements can throw off balance, even with light loads.

4. Adapt to Special Environments (Like Cold Storage): 3-wheel electric forklifts are widely used in cold storage, but temperature fluctuations demand extra care:

Acclimate the Forklift Before Use: If moving from a warm warehouse to sub-zero cold, let the forklift sit in the cold storage for 10–15 minutes to prevent condensation on electrical components (which can cause short circuits). For extended use, choose models with cold-resistant hoses and hydraulic fluids.

Manage Battery Performance in Low Temps: Lithium-ion batteries work better in cold than lead-acid, but capacity still drops in freezing weather. Keep the battery charged to at least 70%—a fully charged battery maintains voltage better and resists damage from low temperatures.

Prevent Slips and Corrosion: Use pallets with 9 legs or river-shapeddesigns to distribute weight evenly. Wipe down the forklift’s exterior after shifts to remove moisture—salt or frost can corrode metal parts over time.

5. Extend Lifespan with Post-Operation Maintenance: Proper care keeps your 3-wheel electric forklift running smoothly for years:

Battery Care: avoid overcharging—disconnect the charger once the BMS signals full charge. In winter, store the battery in a warm area (above 0℃) if the forklift isn’t used for more than 3 days.

Hydraulic System Upkeep: If you notice leaks or slow lifting, check seals and replace worn parts immediately. For masts that shake during lifting, run the forks up and down 5–6 times to bleed air from the cylinders (a quick fix for common hydraulic issues).

Daily Shutdown Routine: Lower the forks to the lowest position, turn off the main power, and remove the key. For multi-shift operations, log usage time and battery levels—this helps track maintenance needs and avoid unexpected failures.