What is a Reach Truck?

Are you considering buying or hiring a reach truck? To help you in your decision we have provided some basic information that will help you in understanding their specific application.

Linde Reach Truck

Reach trucks are designed to work in narrow aisle warehousing spaces. They have two outer legs that distribute the load weight; with a wheel configuration of two or one wheels per leg. The drive wheel is located under the operator’s seating position. The driver sits sideways when operating the machine.

The wheel base of a reach truck is the same length as a normal counter-balance forklift; however the body is more compact. When lifting a load a reach truck moves the load back within the wheelbase; meaning less of the load is protruding from the reach truck, allowing the reach truck to work in much narrower aisles.

Turning Radius:

  • Reach Truck Possible working aisle 2.4 m
  • Counter Balance 3.7 m

Moving Mast Reach Trucks

A Moving Mast Reach Truck uses a hydraulic system; based on rails that allow the entire mast to move forward. These trucks come standard with larger-diameter wheels giving them greater ground clearance, often enabling them to operate dockside as well as in narrow aisles.

FAQ’s

Here we have included some frequently asked questions about reach trucks.

Can a reach truck work outside?

Yes, with sufficiently flat floors; but they are battery electric powered equipment so they are unable to work in the rain. If larger wheels are fitted they are able to work on higher incline ramps due to higher ground clearance.

Does the driver always sit sideways?

Yes, the driver sits sideways, as this leads to improved operator comfort and control due to working in narrow aisles.

What are the advantages of the moving mast reach truck compared to pantographic?

Both types of reach truck are very similar but the pantographic is able to handle double deep racking applications where as moving mast requires an attachment to handle double deep racking.

Pantographic reach trucks have a higher lifting capacity when fully extended at double deep reaching; compared to a moving mast reach truck with fork extenders.

Can reach trucks load trucks with pallets?

Yes, a reach truck can also be used for counter-balance forklift applications and can be fitted with attachments for specialised lifting jobs.

Choosing the right narrow aisle equipment and racking can be a complicated and difficult task. Contact us today and one of our experienced staff will guide you through the process ensuring you get the best configuration for your specific application needs.

View our used reach trucks for sale here

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