Reach Forklifts
In most distribution facilities or warehouse environments, overall space is typically limited. If you could get a machine to operate in smaller aisles and spaces, the more storage space a company would be able manage. For this reason, particular equipment has been designed for operating in very narrow aisles so that space and efficiency could be maximized.
Reach Trucks
The specific reach lift truck has a mast that extends away from the forklifts body. It often is attached with a scissor mechanism. When the scissor is drawn in or compacted, the forklift becomes a lot narrower compared to the typical forklift.
Operator Position
Most reach trucks are designed so that the driver is standing while utilizing the unit. This is a contrast to the typical forklift where the driver is usually sitting. The standing operation area reduces the amount of room required for the compartment of the operator, enabling the machine to achieve an even smaller profile overall.
Space Saving
With a reach truck, aisles can be made as narrow as 7 feet. The majority of standard lift trucks require a minimum aisle space of about 11 feet; therefore, using a reach truck gives around a savings of 5 feet on each and every aisle. When renting a warehouse on a square foot basis, this is a large amount of space.
Unique Controls
A reach truck is usually steered using a rotating lever that is situated on a platform beside the operator. There is another lever used to control forward and reverse, the mast and for extending the mast. These controls are quite different than standard forklift controls.
Load Capacity
Normally, the load capacity for a reach truck is less than that of a standard lift truck, depending on the type. This is largely because of the machine's narrow design, that can cause a really high center of gravity. When the load is lifted and the mast is fully extended, this is actually true.