Reach Truck – Ideal Vehicle To Efficiently Move And Handle Loads

Reach truck is a loading unit, especially efficient for warehouse storage. The reach truck has an excellent lifting capacity and great maneuverability, so it is ideal for arranging all kinds of supplies and goods onto tall shelving cabinets. Reach trucks feature stabilizing legs (outriggers), which eliminate the need of counter-balance weight. The unique combination of great reach capability and stabilizing legs allows the reach truck to lift loads to incredible heights in the narrowest working environments. The stabilizing legs are operated by a hydraulic system and they do not only make it easier for maneuvering, they also provide a better balance of the load.

Ideal for indoor use, but most reach truck models are inefficient for outside use. Since reach trucks have a low under-carriage clearance, a series of problems can be caused, especially if operated on some uneven working surface. Also, the electric power systems can be damaged due to the uninterrupted shaking. The most common applications for a reach truck are indoor stacking and horizontal transportation, such as distribution centres, logistics companies, warehouses, etc. However, what makes the reach trucks so great is their ability to operate in very tight aisle spaces, which is not a case with any other type of forklift.

Many operators install a camera on the fork carriage positioned in the front for increased visibility. The camera sends a signal to a LCD screen in the cabin and assists in the navigation. This visibility system can be either wireless or wired, but most operators prefer wired systems for increased reliability. Today’s reach truck models are operator’s programmable and come with a variety of safety features for improved loading performance and operator ergonomics.

There are few different reach truck models, but the most commonly used are stand-up, double-deep and straddle reach truck. The simplest, yet very efficient reach truck is the stand-up model. It extends the forks under the load (pallet) and transport it to the desired location for storage. Just as simple as it seems. The straddle reach truck is another widely used model and is known for its incredible versatility. The straddle model is not only able to slide under the load, but also grasp its sides without inflicting any damage to the load. The third model is the double deep reach truck. The only difference with the stand-up model is that it features long telescopic forks that can slide a pallet into place and even load two pallets.

For those who need to store pallets of goods, all kinds of supplies and keep a storage area well-organized, the reach truck is the best and most efficient solution.