Reach Forklifts
Space is generally at a premium in nearly all distribution centers or warehouse settings. The less space needed for aisles in which to use machinery, the more space overall you would have to store goods and products. For this reason, specialized machine has been intended for operating in extremely narrow aisles so that efficiency and space can be maximized.
Reach Trucks
A reach forklift is a specific piece of machinery that has a mast which extends away from the body of the forklift. Normally, it is attached with a scissor mechanism. When the scissor is drawn in or compacted, the forklift becomes much narrower that the typical forklift.
Operator Position
Most reach trucks are designed so that the driver is standing while utilizing the unit. This is a contrast to the typical lift truck where the operator is normally sitting. The standing operation area lessens the amount of room needed for the compartment of the driver, 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 regular forklifts require a minimum aisle space of approximately 11 feet; thus, utilizing a reach truck provides roughly a savings of 5 feet on every aisle. When the warehouse is leased by the square foot basis, this is a considerable amount of space.
Unique Controls
Normally, a reach truck is steered using a rotating lever located beside the operator on a platform. There is one more lever utilized to control the mast and for extending the mast and also to control reverse and forward. These controls are quite different than typical forklift controls.
Load Capacity
The reach truck will normally have a load capacity less than regular forklifts. This is largely due to the equipment's narrow design, which could cause a very high center of gravity. When the mast is extended fully and the load is raised, this is particularly true.