Reach Forklifts
In nearly all distribution facilities or warehouse environments, overall space is normally limited. If you could get a machinery to use in smaller spaces and aisles, the more storage space a company would be able manage. Therefore, specialized equipment has been intended for operating in really narrow aisles so that efficiency and space could be maximized.
Reach Trucks
A reach forklift is a specialized type of machine which has a mast which extends away from the body of the forklift. Normally, it is attached with a scissor apparatus. When the scissor is drawn in or compacted, the forklift becomes a lot narrower compared to the typical forklift.
Operator Position
Most reach trucks are designed so that the driver is standing while operating the unit. This is a contrast to the standard forklift where the driver is usually sitting. The standing operation area reduces the amount of room needed for the compartment of the operator, enabling the equipment to accomplish an even smaller profile overall.
Space Saving
With a reach truck, aisles could be made as narrow as 7 feet. The majority of standard forklifts require a minimum aisle space of around 11 feet; therefore, using a reach truck provides approximately a savings of 5 feet per aisle. When renting a warehouse on a square foot basis, this is a considerable amount of space.
Unique Controls
A reach truck is normally steered using a rotating lever which is situated on a platform beside the operator. There is another lever used to control the mast and for extending the mast and also to control reverse and forward. 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 lift truck, depending on the kind. This is mainly because of the equipment's narrow design, that could result in a very high center of gravity. When the load is lifted and the mast is fully extended, this is particularly true.