Reach Forklifts
Space is usually at a premium in most distribution centers or warehouse settings. The less space required for aisles in which to utilize equipment, the more room overall you will have for the storage of products and goods. For this reason, specialized machine has been designed to be used in really narrow aisles so that space and efficiency could be maximized.
Reach Trucks
The specialized reach forklift has a mast which extends away from the body of the forklift. Usually, 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
Reach trucks are designed so the driver can stand while in operation of the machine. This is a contrast to the standard forklift where the driver is normally sitting. The standing operation area reduces the amount of room needed for the compartment of the driver, enabling 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. Nearly all typical forklifts require a minimum aisle space of about 11 feet; therefore, utilizing a reach truck gives approximately a savings of 5 feet per aisle. When the warehouse is leased by the square foot basis, this is a large amount of space.
Unique Controls
Normally, a reach truck is steered utilizing a rotating lever located beside the driver on a platform. There is a different lever utilized to control reverse and forward, the mast as well as for extending the mast. These controls are somewhat different than typical forklift controls.
Load Capacity
The reach truck will normally have a load capacity less than regular forklifts. This is mainly because of the narrow design of the machine, that can cause a very high center of gravity. When the mast is extended fully and the load is lifted, this is particularly true.