Reach Forklifts
Space is normally at a premium in most distribution facilities or warehouse settings. 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. Hence, 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 specific type of equipment which has a mast which extends away from the forklift's body. Normally, it is attached with a scissor apparatus. When the scissor is drawn in or compacted, the forklift becomes a lot narrower that the regular forklift.
Operator Position
Most reach trucks are designed so that the driver is standing while operating the unit. This is a contrast to the regular lift truck where the operator is usually sitting. The standing operation area reduces the amount of room needed for the operator compartment, allowing the machinery to accomplish an even smaller profile overall.
Space Saving
With a reach truck, aisles can be made as narrow as 7 feet. Most regular forklifts require a minimum aisle space of around 11 feet; thus, using a reach truck provides roughly a savings of 5 feet on every 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 located beside the operator on a platform. There is one more lever utilized to control reverse and forward, the mast and for extending the mast. These controls are quite different than regular forklift controls.
Load Capacity
Normally, the load capacity for a reach truck is less than that of a regular forklift, depending on the type. This is mainly due to the narrow design of the equipment, that can result in a very high center of gravity. When the load is raised and the mast is fully extended, this is actually true.