What exactly is a reach forklift truck? Is still one of the most common questions we get asked at H&F Lift Trucks. So to help clear things up, we want to go through what these trucks are so that you can understand their application, as well go through some basic information that highlights the difference between forklift and reach trucks…

A Reach Forklift Truck

Reach trucks are extremely well suited to indoor use and are primarily designed to work down narrow aisles, making them an ideal solution for those wanting to make their warehouse more space-efficient. They manage to work in much narrower aisles because they move any load they lift back within the wheelbase, so that less of the load ends up protruding out from the truck itself.

Even though the wheelbase of a reach truck is essentially the same as a normal counterbalance truck, the body of the reach truck is much more compact. As the name suggests, a reach truck has the ability to reach up extremely high and still maintain capacity, which in turn is combined with very flexible manoeuvrability.

Reach trucks can be driven whilst the operator sits in a sideways position and the drive wheel itself is located under the operator’s seating position. In order to help operators avoid a forklift accident, which could cause product or pallet racking damage, the trucks can be equipped with height indicators, lasers and camera systems.

A reach truck can generally be more expensive than a traditional counterbalance truck, however they can certainly bring added efficiency to any cramped working environments.

What Types of Reach Trucks Are There?

Pantograph Reach Trucks – are designed for indoor use, offer double or a single reach configuration, and either forward or side stance configurations, along with a variety of optional features available.

Moving Mast Reach Trucks – this type of reach truck utilises a hydraulic system, based on rails, which allows the entire mast to move forward.They usually have greater ground clearance thanks to the large diameter wheels, and can be operated just as effectively on a dockside as well is in the narrow aisles of a warehouse.

Alternative Configurations – the least common configuration of a reach forklift truck is a reach straddle truck. This has its legs set apart wider, allowing the forklift’s legs to surround and straddle the pallet. Due to the fact that the pallets can’t be closely stacked, this type of configuration is likely to result in a need for increased storage space.

Here at H&F Lift Trucks, we offer a range of new and used reach forklift trucks, as well as the more traditional counterbalance forklift trucks. Are you looking to purchase a new Forklift or used forklift? Then please contact us today for more information, on 0800 298 8790.