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 operate machines, the more space overall you would have to store goods and products. Hence, specialized machine has been intended to be used in really narrow aisles so as to maximize space and efficiency.
Reach Trucks
The specialized reach lift truck has a mast that extends away from the body of the forklift. It normally is attached with a scissor apparatus. When the scissor is compacted or drawn in, the forklift becomes much narrower compared to the regular forklift.
Operator Position
The majority of reach trucks are designed so that the driver is standing while utilizing the unit. This is a contrast to the standard forklift where the driver is usually sitting. The standing operation area lessens the amount of room needed for the compartment of the operator, allowing the machine to accomplish an even smaller profile overall.
Space Saving
Aisle-ways could be made as narrow as 7 feet with a reach truck. Nearly all standard forklifts need a minimum aisle space of around 11 feet; thus, utilizing a reach truck gives about a savings of 5 feet on each aisle. When renting a warehouse on a square foot basis, this is a considerable amount of space.
Unique Controls
Usually, a reach truck is steered using a rotating lever located beside the operator on a platform. There is another lever used to control forward and reverse, the mast as well as for extending the mast. These controls are somewhat different than regular forklift controls.
Load Capacity
Normally, the reach truck's load capacity is less than that of a standard forklift, depending on the model. This is largely due to the machine's narrow design, that could result in a very high center of gravity. When the mast is fully extended and the load is raised, this is particularly true.