Reach Forklifts
Space is normally at a premium in the majority of distribution centers or warehouse environments. The less space required for aisles in which to operate machinery, the more room overall you would have to store products and goods. Therefore, specialized equipment has been intended to be used in really narrow aisles so that efficiency and space can be maximized.
Reach Trucks
The specific reach forklift has a mast that extends away from the forklifts body. It often 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
Reach trucks are designed so the driver can stand while in operation of the machine. This is a contrast to the standard lift truck where the driver is normally sitting. The standing operation area lessens the amount of room required for the compartment of the driver, enabling the equipment to achieve an even smaller profile overall.
Space Saving
With a reach truck, aisles can be made as narrow as 7 feet. Nearly all regular lift trucks require a minimum aisle space of about 11 feet; thus, utilizing a reach truck provides approximately a savings of 5 feet on each aisle. When the warehouse is leased by the square foot basis, this is a large 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 one more lever utilized to control the mast and for extending the mast and also to control forward and reverse. These controls are somewhat different compared to regular forklift controls.
Load Capacity
The reach truck will usually have a load capacity less than standard forklifts. This is largely due to the machine's narrow design, which can cause a really high center of gravity. When the load is lifted and the mast is fully extended, this is particularly true.