Reach Forklifts
Space is usually at a premium in nearly all distribution centers or warehouse settings. The less space needed for aisles in which to utilize machinery, the more room overall you would have to store goods and products. Therefore, specialized equipment has been designed for operating in really narrow aisles so as to maximize space and efficiency.
Reach Trucks
A reach forklift is a specialized type of equipment that has a mast that extends away from the forklift's body. It usually is attached with a scissor apparatus. When the scissor is drawn in or compacted, the forklift becomes much narrower compared to the standard forklift.
Operator Position
Reach trucks are designed so the driver could stand while in operation of the machine. This is a contrast to the standard lift truck where the driver is normally sitting. The standing operation area lessens the amount of room required for the operator compartment, allowing the machinery to accomplish an even smaller profile overall.
Space Saving
Aisle-ways could be made as narrow as 7 feet with a reach truck. Most typical forklifts need a minimum aisle space of around 11 feet; therefore, 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 large amount of space.
Unique Controls
A reach truck is normally steered using a rotating lever which is situated on a platform beside the driver. There is another lever utilized to control the mast and for extending the mast and also to control reverse and forward. These controls are somewhat different compared to standard forklift controls.
Load Capacity
The reach truck would usually have a load capacity less than standard forklifts. This is largely due to the narrow design of the machine, which could lead to a very high center of gravity. When the load is lifted and the mast is fully extended, this is actually true.