Reach Forklifts
Space is normally at a premium in the majority of distribution facilities or warehouse environments. The less space required for aisles in which to utilize machines, the more space overall you would have for the storage of goods and products. Therefore, specialized equipment has been designed to be used in extremely narrow aisles to be able to maximize space and efficiency.
Reach Trucks
A reach forklift is a specific piece of equipment which has a mast which extends away from the body of the forklift. It often is attached with a scissor apparatus. When the scissor is drawn in or compacted, the forklift becomes a lot narrower that the typical forklift.
Operator Position
Reach trucks are designed so the operator could stand while in operation of the equipment. This is a contrast to the standard forklift 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
Aisle-ways could be made as narrow as 7 feet with a reach truck. Most regular lift trucks need a minimum aisle space of around 11 feet; thus, utilizing a reach truck provides approximately a savings of 5 feet per aisle. When renting a warehouse on a square foot basis, this is a significant amount of space.
Unique Controls
A reach truck is usually steered utilizing a rotating lever that is situated on a platform beside the operator. There is a different lever used to control the mast as well as for extending the mast and also to control reverse and forward. These controls are somewhat different compared to standard forklift controls.
Load Capacity
Normally, the load capacity for a reach truck is less than that of a regular lift truck, depending on the type. This is mainly due to the narrow design of the equipment, that could cause a very high center of gravity. When the load is raised and the mast is extended fully, this is actually true.