3-Wheel Electric Forklift - 138" Lift Height

EKKO EK16A-138 3-Wheel Electric Forklift — 3,500 lb Capacity for Tight Indoor Spaces

The EKKO EK16A-138 is a 3-wheel electric counterbalanced forklift engineered for operations that demand maneuverability in confined spaces without sacrificing lifting performance. With a 3,500 lb load capacity and a maximum lifting height of 138 inches (11.5 ft), it is well-suited for loading docks, stock rooms, manufacturing floors, and warehousing environments. Its compact 3-wheel configuration and 58.9-inch turning radius make it a practical choice for narrow aisles and areas where a standard 4-wheel forklift cannot operate efficiently. Recommended for indoor use on flat surfaces.

Unlike larger counterbalanced forklifts that require wide lanes and substantial floor space, the EK16A-138 pairs a short overall width of 42.1 inches with hydraulic power steering and a Zapi controller to deliver precise, low-effort operation in space-constrained environments. The 24V/320 Ah battery and 24V/50A charger are both included, reducing upfront procurement costs compared to units sold without power systems.

Key Features & Benefits

3,500 lb Load Capacity with 138" Lift Height

The EK16A-138 lifts up to 3,500 lbs to a full height of 138 inches (11.5 ft), making it capable of reaching standard multi-tier racking systems. A free lifting height of 34.4 inches allows the forks to rise within the mast envelope before the mast itself extends, which is critical when working under low ceilings or inside trailers where overhead clearance is limited.

Zapi Controller

The Zapi controller governs drive and lift functions, providing smooth, programmable power management across varying load conditions. For contractors and warehouse operators, this translates to consistent, predictable machine response that reduces operator fatigue and protects both load and equipment during repetitive cycles.

Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS)

Hydraulic power steering reduces the physical effort required to maneuver a fully loaded machine, particularly during the tight turns common in dock and stockroom environments. Combined with the 3-wheel layout and 58.9-inch turning radius, HPS makes the EK16A-138 more agile than comparably rated 4-wheel units in the same class.

Adjustable Side-Shift Forks (3-Way Valve)

The 3-way valve side-shift system allows lateral fork adjustment without repositioning the entire forklift, improving pallet alignment speed at the rack face or inside a truck trailer. Fork width is adjustable from 7.9 to 26 inches, accommodating a range of pallet sizes and load configurations without requiring a tool change.

24V AC Drive Motor with Included Battery and Charger

The AC drive motor operates on a 24V system powered by the included 320 Ah battery, delivering a maximum gradient performance of 6% laden and 10% unladen. The 24V/50A charger is included with the unit, so operators can begin productive work without sourcing compatible charging equipment separately.

Steel Construction with Robotic Welding

The frame is fabricated from high-quality steel using robotic welding processes, which produce consistent, repeatable weld quality across the entire structure. This construction approach supports durability under the directional changes, impacts, and repetitive loading cycles typical of daily commercial use.

Common Applications

Loading and Unloading Trucks

The EK16A-138's free lift height of 34.4 inches allows forks to be positioned inside a trailer without raising the mast, keeping the center of gravity low and enabling work in trailers with standard interior clearances.

Loading Dock Operations

At loading docks, the unit's compact footprint and short turning radius allow it to transfer pallets between dock plates and staging areas efficiently, even in facilities with multiple bays in close proximity.

Stock Room and Warehouse Racking

With a lift height of 138 inches and adjustable fork width up to 26 inches, the EK16A-138 can service multi-level pallet racking in stock rooms and warehouse environments where aisle widths restrict larger equipment.

Manufacturing Floor Material Handling

On flat manufacturing floors, the unit's cushion tires and electric drive provide quiet, emission-free operation suitable for indoor production environments where combustion equipment would be impractical.

Compatible Materials

• Standard wood pallets
• Plastic pallets
• Skidded or crated loads up to 3,500 lb
• Loads requiring fork width adjustment from 7.9 to 26 inches
• Flat, hard indoor floor surfaces (concrete, sealed warehouse floors)

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a battery and charger included with the EK16A-138?
A: Yes. The unit ships with a 24V/320 Ah battery and a 24V/50A charger included at no additional cost.

Q: What is the maximum lifting height of the EK16A-138?
A: The maximum lifting height is 138 inches (11.5 ft). A 177-inch lift height variant (EK16A-177) is also available in the EKKO product line.

Q: Can the EK16A-138 be used outdoors?
A: The EK16A-138 is recommended for indoor use on flat surfaces. Its cushion tires are designed for smooth, hard floors and are not suited for uneven or unpaved outdoor terrain.

Q: What is the free lift height, and why does it matter?
A: The free lift height is 34.4 inches. This allows the forks to rise within the mast without the overall mast height increasing, which is important when operating inside truck trailers or under low overhead obstructions.

Q: Are the forks adjustable for different pallet widths?
A: Yes. Fork width is adjustable from 7.9 to 26 inches via the 3-way valve side-shift system, accommodating a variety of standard pallet sizes and load configurations.