The Wheel Base is the distance between the front axle and the rear axle of a lift truck. The length of the wheel base effects the capacity and the specific usage of the lift truck.  

• long wheel base

- lower counterweights for the truck required 

• lighter overall weight of the truck
• Advantage: lower pressure on axles 
• Disadvantage:  Larger turning radius, reduced storage capacity 

• short wheel base
• Advantage: smaller turning radius - smaller aisles needed 
• Disadvantage: Larger axle loads, transmission of uneven floors