Reach Forklifts
In nearly all distribution facilities or warehouse settings, overall space is typically limited. If you could get a machine to utilize in smaller aisles and spaces, the more storage space a company will be able manage. Hence, specialized equipment has been designed for operating in extremely narrow aisles so that efficiency and space could be maximized.
Reach Trucks
The specific reach forklift has a mast which extends away from the body of the forklift. It often is attached with a scissor mechanism. When the scissor is compacted or drawn in, the forklift becomes much narrower that the standard forklift.
Operator Position
Reach trucks are designed so the driver 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 lessens the amount of room required for the compartment of the driver, enabling the machine to accomplish 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 approximately 11 feet; therefore, using a reach truck provides roughly a savings of 5 feet on each 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 which is located on a platform beside the operator. There is one more lever used to control reverse and forward, the mast as well as for extending the mast. These controls are somewhat different compared to regular forklift controls.
Load Capacity
The reach truck would normally have a load capacity less than regular forklifts. This is largely because of the narrow design of the machine, that could cause a really high center of gravity. When the load is raised and the mast is extended fully, this is actually true.