Reach Forklifts
Space is normally at a premium in most distribution facilities or warehouse environments. The less space required for aisles in which to utilize equipment, the more room overall you would have for the storage of goods and products. Thus, specialized equipment has been designed for operating in really narrow aisles so that space and efficiency could be maximized.
Reach Trucks
A reach forklift is a specific type of equipment that has a mast that extends away from the body of the forklift. Normally, it is attached with a scissor mechanism. When the scissor is compacted or drawn in, the forklift becomes a lot narrower compared to the regular forklift.
Operator Position
Reach trucks are designed so the driver can stand while in operation of the equipment. This is a contrast to the regular lift truck where the driver is usually sitting. The standing operation area reduces the amount of room required for the compartment of the operator, allowing the machinery to achieve an even smaller profile overall.
Space Saving
With a reach truck, aisles can be made as narrow as 7 feet. Nearly all standard lift trucks need a minimum aisle space of roughly 11 feet; hence, utilizing a reach truck gives around a savings of 5 feet on every aisle. When renting a warehouse on a square foot basis, this is a significant amount of space.
Unique Controls
A reach truck is normally steered using a rotating lever that is located on a platform beside the driver. There is a different lever used to control the mast as well as for extending the mast and also to control forward and reverse. These controls are somewhat different compared to standard forklift controls.
Load Capacity
Usually, the load capacity for a reach truck is less than that of a standard lift truck, depending on the kind. This is largely because of the machine's narrow design, that can result in a very high center of gravity. When the mast is extended fully and the load is raised, this is particularly true.