Reach Forklifts
In nearly all distribution facilities or warehouse environments, overall space is usually limited. If you can get a machine to operate in smaller spaces and aisles, the more storage space a company will be able manage. Thus, particular machine has been designed to be utilized in very narrow aisles in order to maximize efficiency and space.
Reach Trucks
A reach forklift is a specialized type of machinery which has a mast that extends away from the body of the forklift. Usually, it is attached with a scissor apparatus. When the scissor is compacted or drawn in, the forklift becomes a lot narrower compared to the standard forklift.
Operator Position
Reach trucks are designed so the operator can stand while in operation of the machinery. This is a contrast to the standard lift truck where the driver is usually sitting. The standing operation area reduces the amount of room needed for the compartment of the operator, allowing the machinery to achieve an even smaller profile overall.
Space Saving
Aisle-ways could be made as narrow as 7 feet with a reach truck. Most typical forklifts require a minimum aisle space of around 11 feet; thus, utilizing a reach truck provides about 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
Normally, a reach truck is steered utilizing a rotating lever situated beside the operator on a platform. There is another lever utilized to control forward and reverse, the mast and for extending the mast. These controls are somewhat different than standard forklift controls.
Load Capacity
The reach truck would usually have a load capacity less than regular forklifts. This is largely 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.