What Are the Steering Modes of a Telehandler?

A telehandler uses three primary steering modes—front-wheel, four-wheel, and crab steering—to help you maneuver efficiently and safely on tight sites, rough terrain, and areas where precise alignment is essential.
These modes give you far more flexibility than traditional equipment, allowing you to position the machine exactly where the lift requires without constant repositioning.

Understanding How Telehandler Steering Works

Once you start operating a telehandler, you’ll notice that its steering system behaves very differently from a forklift or a truck. Instead of relying on a single steering method, you can choose between three hydraulic steering modes depending on the environment, load, and maneuvering space. This control is a big reason telehandlers outperform other machines in complex work zones, as shown across operator guides¹ and equipment handling tutorials².

Each mode has a distinct function, and knowing when to use which one makes your work smoother, faster, and safer.

1. Front-Wheel Steering (Two-Wheel Steering)

Front-wheel steering works the same way as a standard car: only the front axle turns.
You’ll typically use this mode when you’re:

• Traveling longer distances
• Driving on paved roads
• Moving between jobsite areas
• Carrying loads at higher travel speeds

Because the rear axle stays fixed, the machine tracks straighter and feels more stable—something emphasized in equipment manuals³.

You’ll notice the steering radius is larger in this mode, so it’s not the best option when working in tight areas—but it’s the safest choice for travel.

2. Four-Wheel Steering (All-Wheel or Circle Steering)

In four-wheel steering, the front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions.
This drastically reduces the turning radius and gives you far better maneuverability on congested sites.

You’ll use this mode when you’re:

• Working between stacks of materials
• Navigating narrow jobsite corridors
• Turning around in confined spaces
• Operating on uneven terrain that requires responsive control

Because all wheels contribute to rotation, the machine feels more “compact” and easier to pivot—something operators value on modern telehandlers documented in steering vs. car steering comparisons⁴.

This is the mode you’ll likely use most frequently on an active construction site.

3. Crab Steering

In crab mode, all wheels turn in the same direction, allowing the telehandler to move diagonally without changing the machine’s facing direction.

This is extremely helpful when you need to:

• Align the machine parallel to a wall or structure
• Make fine sideways adjustments before placing a load
• Work near trenches, barriers, or material stacks
• Position yourself precisely under limited movement space

Crab steering eliminates unnecessary forward–reverse repositioning, improving both productivity and safety. It’s highlighted in many practical operator resources⁵ because of how often it solves difficult alignment problems.

Operational Insights: Switching Steering Modes Safely

One of the most important habits you can build as an operator is this:

Always straighten the wheels before switching steering modes.

This prevents hydraulic strain, avoids axle binding, and keeps the steering transition smooth.
It’s a rule you’ll see repeated in nearly every telehandler training reference²—and for good reason.

Additionally:

• Steering mode changes are usually made via a button or selector inside the cab.
• The hydraulic steering system gives you better control on rough terrain than a traditional automotive steering setup.
• When carrying loads with the boom partially raised, steering responsiveness changes—so choosing the right mode becomes essential for stability.

How Steering Modes Compare

Here’s a clear, jobsite-focused comparison to help you choose the right steering mode for each task:

Steering Mode	How It Works	Best For	Turning Radius	Why You’d Use It
Front-Wheel	Only front wheels turn	Road travel, long-distance movement	Largest	Stable, predictable handling at higher speeds
Four-Wheel	Front & rear wheels turn opposite directions	Tight areas, general jobsite maneuvering	Smallest	Maximum agility in confined or cluttered sites
Crab Steering	All wheels turn in the same direction	Sideways alignment, fine positioning	Moderate	Lets you move diagonally without changing machine orientation

Professional Summary

Telehandlers give you three steering modes because no single mode can handle all jobsite conditions.
Front-wheel steering gives you simple, stable travel; four-wheel steering lets you maneuver sharply in crowded areas; and crab steering helps you align precisely where the load needs to go.

When you understand how and when to use each mode, you’ll notice immediate benefits:

• Smoother positioning
• Faster material handling
• Better control on uneven ground
• Safer movement with elevated or extended loads
• Less wear on the steering and axle systems

It’s one of the reasons telehandlers outperform many traditional lifting machines in demanding environments.

References