Reach Forklifts
Space is usually at a premium in most distribution facilities or warehouse settings. The less space required for aisles in which to utilize machines, the more space overall you will have to store products and goods. Thus, specialized machine has been intended for operating in extremely narrow aisles so that space and efficiency could be maximized.
Reach Trucks
A reach forklift is a specialized piece of machine which has a mast that extends away from the forklift's body. It often is attached with a scissor mechanism. When the scissor is compacted or drawn in, the forklift becomes much narrower that the typical forklift.
Operator Position
The majority of reach trucks are designed so that the driver is standing while using the unit. This is a contrast to the standard lift truck where the driver is usually sitting. The standing operation area lessens the amount of room required for the compartment of the driver, enabling the machinery to accomplish an even smaller profile overall.
Space Saving
With a reach truck, aisles can be made as narrow as 7 feet. Most standard forklifts require a minimum aisle space of roughly 11 feet; hence, using a reach truck provides approximately a savings of 5 feet on each and 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 a different lever utilized to control the mast as well as for extending the mast and also to control forward and reverse. These controls are somewhat different than regular forklift controls.
Load Capacity
The reach truck will usually have a load capacity less than regular forklifts. This is largely due to the narrow design of the equipment, which could result in a very high center of gravity. When the load is lifted and the mast is extended fully, this is actually true.