Reach trucks have started gaining considerable popularity in recent years. Reach Trucks are used to access goods in locations with narrow aisles and high shelving. These are the type of forklifts that are viable for huge warehouses or vast storage areas. The reach trucks are designed to rack pallets on smooth surfaces. In many warehouses, shelves are stacked higher to reduce the space required for storing goods. In such cases, reach trucks are the most efficient option to use for the movement of products. 

These electric forklifts feature narrow-aisle forks designed with utmost perfection and durability. In addition, reach trucks are equipped with smaller bodies that are easy to maneuver in limited spaces. As a result, reach trucks can access places that are usually hard to get to for other forklifts. 

They are regarded as the most efficient forklifts and also offer higher returns on investments with their functionality. Reach trucks are used to optimize the material handling systems across warehouses. These days, companies want to stack products as much as possible, which will create more storage space in the room. This increased storage space can be monetized by the owner to generate additional revenues and ensure optimal utilization of resources.

In today’s fast-paced world, every business looks out for the best logistics and supply chain companies that can help improve employee productivity and also help enhance the efficiency of processes. Reach trucks are the best option for these businesses as they allow the companies to achieve higher productivity in a quick time. Many companies have seen visible changes in the output of their workers after using the reach trucks. 

Features of Reach Trucks

Reach trucks show high productivity and efficiency and are considered a go-to option for most modern warehouses. In addition, reach trucks have several qualities that can be very useful for improving a company’s processes. Some of the standout features of reach trucks are listed below:

  • Maximum productivity: Reach trucks drive more productivity than any other forklift. Various businesses have seen that reach trucks are the most feasible option for them when it comes to accessibility. They have higher travel speed, responsive performance, and can easily cover long distances without any speed issues. Reach trucks are considered the best option to finish the work at a rapid pace. 
  • Lift capacity: The lifting capacity of reach trucks is better than most forklifts. Reach trucks can lift heavy products quickly and make the work easy in the warehouse. They have two outer legs, which allow them to distribute the product load evenly and move around quickly with a small set of wheels.
  • Better Efficiency: Reach trucks are the best option if you are looking for maximum efficiency at work. They are a good investment for the company, as they offer better productivity in indoor working conditions. Also, the safety standards and work speed of reach trucks make them extremely safe to use.
  • Reach height: Reach trucks are known for accessing heights that most forklifts cannot. When companies want to create more space for storage, they start stocking the products on top of each other to minimize the floor space required for storing goods. In areas where the shelves are too high for any standard forklift to reach, reach trucks come to the rescue. They can move around narrow lanes and access products placed at heights in the warehouse. 
  • Higher reliability: Many companies have started relying on the reach trucks as they provide greater efficiency and higher returns with lower investment. Reach trucks are highly efficient at holding heavy products, reaching heights easily, and travelling at greater speeds easily without any issues. 
  • Better ergonomics: Equipped with the latest technology, reach trucks provide better ergonomics than most forklifts. They have easy on/off access, ergonomic grab handles, perform confident and safe operations, are jerk-free and highly stable, and have smooth access movements. 

Why should companies prefer Reach Trucks over other Forklifts? Business Benefits of Using Reach Trucks

There are various reasons that compel a company to prefer a reach truck over other forklifts to access products in the warehouse. Here are a few reasons that many warehouse owners have cited for their preference of using a reach truck than any other option.

  • Reach trucks are best for narrow aisles. The accessibility for products placed at greater heights is much easier when reach trucks are used as they are built specifically for this function. 
  • Reach trucks are eco-friendly as they don’t burn fossil fuel. Other types of forklift trucks, like diesel and gas trucks, use fossil fuels which can be dangerous for the environment. 
  • Using a reach truck allows for optimizing the storage space in the warehouse to store more products in the given space. Since reach trucks can be used in most areas of a warehouse, they are considered the best and most efficient option by many warehouse operators.
  • Reach trucks can access products placed higher in the warehouse. To use the maximum space in their warehouse, companies tend to stock products one over the other. It becomes difficult for other forklifts to access those products, but reach trucks make it easy and effortless to move around these products properly. 
  • Reach trucks allow a warehouse to use double-deep pallet racking systems. This makes the storage space in the warehouse more efficient, and a higher number of products can be stocked readily. Without investing in additional space, companies can efficiently improve their warehouse storage with the help of a racking system. There is no need to worry about moving the products around safely, as reach trucks are designed for this requirement.
  • Reach trucks ensure the safety of products and employees as they pass through multiple tests to ensure the safety and quality standards are maintained. The traditional methods used for picking up products, like using a ladder, always risked an employee’s safety. There have been multiple fatal accidents using traditional methods. These accidents have been reduced drastically since the reach trucks have started being used. Reach trucks ensure that the products are picked up safely without endangering the balance. Reach trucks are also fitted with automatic braking systems and sensors, which help avoid accidents.

Reach trucks offer considerable benefits to warehouse operators and, as such, have emerged as a popular option in the sector. If you are considering an investment in reach trucks, it is advisable to undertake a detailed comparison of multiple options to make an informed decision.

Commonly Asked Questions About Reach Trucks

How do reach trucks help enhance the efficiency of a warehouse?

Reach trucks go a long way in enhancing the efficiency of a warehouse by allowing effective maneuvering of goods, maximizing storage, and streamlining the workflow. If you are a supply chain or logistics company, a reach truck can enhance your productivity and efficiency.

What are the desirable features of a reach truck?

One of the most important features of a lift truck is its lifting capacity and reach height. The higher the lifting capacity, the better it is able to maneuver in the narrow spaces of a warehouse. A good reach height will also allow it to reach shelves that are at a height, thus maximizing storage.

How is a reach truck different from a forklift?

Forklift and reach trucks differ through a variety of factors like visibility, turn radius, lifting height, weight capacity, and power sources. While forklifts are often front-facing, a reach truck is both side and front-facing.

This allows the operator to have a broader range of vision, thus allowing better maneuvering and operability. Additionally, forklifts can weigh up to 20 feet, and trucks can reach up to 40 feet.

What are some of the benefits of using a reach truck?

Some of the major benefits of using a reach truck are:

  1. Storage optimization by efficiently utilizing vertical storage racks
  2. Cost savings by eliminating the need for more storage space
  3. Enhanced safety while moving products in the warehouse
  4. Highly optimized and smooth workflow implementation
  5. Availability of electric reach trucks for sustainable and environmentally friendly options

Are reach trucks equipped to manage different types of pallets and loads?

Yes, reach trucks are designed to handle multiple types of pallets and workloads with the help of various attachments and fork sizes. For instance, the double deep racking system of a reach truck can manage height and weight capacity and store goods conveniently.

What are some maintenance requirements to keep in mind for a reach truck?

Here are some maintenance requirements to keep in mind for a reach truck:

  1. Regularly inspect the reach truck and document the observations for future reference
  2. Properly lubricate the moving parts like chains, bearings, pivot points, etc.
  3. Inspect the hydraulic system and hydraulic fluid level
  4. Maintain a good condition of the tires and brakes.
  5. Ensure that all safety systems, like operator restraint system and overload protection, are functioning correctly