Reach Forklifts
Space is usually at a premium in nearly all distribution centers or warehouse settings. The less space required for aisles in which to use machines, the more room overall you would have to store products and goods. Hence, specialized machine has been designed for operating in really narrow aisles so that efficiency and space can be maximized.
Reach Trucks
A reach forklift is a specialized kind of machine that has a mast which extends away from the body of the forklift. It usually is attached with a scissor apparatus. When the scissor is compacted or drawn in, the forklift becomes much narrower that the typical forklift.
Operator Position
Reach trucks are designed so the driver 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 required for the compartment of the driver, allowing the machine to accomplish an even smaller profile overall.
Space Saving
Aisle-ways can be made as narrow as 7 feet with a reach truck. Nearly all regular lift trucks need a minimum aisle space of about 11 feet; thus, using a reach truck gives roughly 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 usually steered utilizing a rotating lever which is located on a platform beside the driver. There is a different lever used to control forward and reverse, the mast and for extending the mast. These controls are quite different than standard forklift controls.
Load Capacity
Normally, the reach truck's load capacity is less than that of a standard lift truck, depending on the type. This is largely due to the machine's narrow design, that can result in a really high center of gravity. When the load is raised and the mast is fully extended, this is actually true.