Reach Forklifts
In most distribution facilities or warehouse environments, overall space is usually limited. If you could get a machine to use in smaller spaces and aisles, the more storage space a company will be able manage. For this reason, specialized equipment has been designed to be used in really narrow aisles so that efficiency and space can be maximized.
Reach Trucks
A reach forklift is a specialized kind of machinery which has a mast which extends away from the body of the forklift. Usually, it is attached with a scissor apparatus. When the scissor is compacted or drawn in, the forklift becomes much narrower that the regular forklift.
Operator Position
Most reach trucks are designed so that the driver is standing while utilizing the unit. This is a contrast to the standard lift truck where the driver is usually sitting. The standing operation area reduces the amount of room required for the operator compartment, enabling 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 typical lift trucks require a minimum aisle space of around 11 feet; therefore, using a reach truck provides around 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 usually steered using a rotating lever that is located on a platform beside the operator. There is a different lever used to control forward and reverse, the mast as well as for extending the mast. These controls are quite different than regular forklift controls.
Load Capacity
The reach truck will normally have a load capacity less than standard forklifts. This is mainly because of the narrow design of the equipment, which can cause a very high center of gravity. When the load is lifted and the mast is fully extended, this is particularly true.