Reach Forklifts
In the majority of distribution facilities or warehouse settings, overall space is normally limited. If you can get a machine to use in smaller aisles and spaces, the more storage space a company would be able manage. Thus, specialized equipment has been designed for operating in really narrow aisles to be able to maximize efficiency and space.
Reach Trucks
A reach forklift is a specific piece of equipment that has a mast which extends away from the body of the forklift. Normally, it is attached with a scissor mechanism. When the scissor is drawn in or compacted, the forklift becomes much narrower compared to the regular forklift.
Operator Position
The majority of reach trucks are designed so that the operator is standing while operating the unit. This is a contrast to the regular lift truck where the operator is normally sitting. The standing operation area reduces the amount of room required for the compartment of the operator, enabling the machinery 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 regular lift trucks need a minimum aisle space of roughly 11 feet; therefore, utilizing a reach truck provides roughly a savings of 5 feet per aisle. When renting a warehouse on a square foot basis, this is a considerable amount of space.
Unique Controls
Usually, a reach truck is steered using a rotating lever situated beside the operator on a platform. There is one more lever used to control forward and reverse, the mast as well as for extending the mast. These controls are quite different than typical forklift controls.
Load Capacity
Normally, the reach truck's load capacity is less than that of a regular lift truck, depending on the type. This is mainly because of the machine's narrow design, that could cause a very high center of gravity. When the mast is fully extended and the load is raised, this is particularly true.