A lift truck 1 with a telescopic arm 3 comprises a front axle 6 and a rear axle 7 and a mechanical transmission to transmit the movement of the drive train 5 to the forward 6 and/or rear 7 axle or axles. The drive train 5 is oriented transversely to the truck 1 and the mechanical transmission is located in a central position. This arrangement permits easy access to the drive train and rapid exchange of the latter, so as to facilitate the maintenance and reduce the down time of the lift truck.