Reach Forklifts
Space is generally at a premium in most distribution centers or warehouse settings. The less space needed for aisles in which to utilize machines, the more space overall you would have for the storage of products and goods. For this reason, specialized machine has been intended to be utilized in very narrow aisles in order to maximize efficiency and space.
Reach Trucks
The specialized reach forklift has a mast which extends away from the forklifts body. Normally, it is attached with a scissor apparatus. When the scissor is compacted or drawn in, the forklift becomes much narrower compared to the standard forklift.
Operator Position
Reach trucks are designed so the driver can stand while in operation of the machine. This is a contrast to the typical forklift where the driver is normally sitting. The standing operation area reduces the amount of room needed for the operator compartment, allowing the machine to achieve an even smaller profile overall.
Space Saving
With a reach truck, aisles could be made as narrow as 7 feet. Most regular lift trucks require a minimum aisle space of around 11 feet; hence, utilizing a reach truck gives roughly a savings of 5 feet per aisle. When the warehouse is leased by the square foot basis, this is a significant amount of space.
Unique Controls
Normally, a reach truck is steered utilizing a rotating lever located beside the driver on a platform. There is one more lever utilized to control forward and reverse, the mast and for extending the mast. These controls are quite different compared to regular forklift controls.
Load Capacity
The reach truck would normally have a load capacity less than regular forklifts. This is largely due to the narrow design of the machinery, that can result in a very high center of gravity. When the load is lifted and the mast is extended fully, this is particularly true.