Reach Forklifts
Space is generally at a premium in the majority of distribution centers or warehouse settings. The less space needed for aisles in which to operate machines, the more room overall you would have to store products and goods. Thus, specialized equipment has been designed to be utilized in really narrow aisles to be able to maximize efficiency and space.
Reach Trucks
A reach forklift is a specific piece of equipment which has a mast that extends away from the forklift's body. It often is attached with a scissor mechanism. When the scissor is compacted or drawn in, the forklift becomes much narrower that the typical forklift.
Operator Position
Most reach trucks are designed so that the driver is standing while using the unit. This is a contrast to the regular forklift where the operator is usually sitting. The standing operation area reduces the amount of room needed for the driver compartment, allowing the machinery to accomplish an even smaller profile overall.
Space Saving
Aisle-ways can be made as narrow as 7 feet with a reach truck. The majority of typical forklifts need a minimum aisle space of about 11 feet; therefore, utilizing a reach truck gives roughly 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
Usually, a reach truck is steered using a rotating lever situated beside the operator on a platform. 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 than standard forklift controls.
Load Capacity
Normally, the reach truck's load capacity is less than that of a standard lift truck, depending on the kind. This is mainly due to the narrow design of the machine, which could lead to a very high center of gravity. When the load is raised and the mast is extended fully, this is actually true.