Types of Forklifts- What is a Reach Truck And Its Benefits?

If you’re in a workplace with forklifts or want to learn more about the different types of forklifts, this blog will discuss what a Reach truck is.

Knowing more about the different types of forklifts around can make it easier for you to determine which forklift you may want a certification for. Reach trucks are incredibly nifty and are a great addition to any warehouse or factory floor. 

A reach truck is a forklift that is most commonly used in warehouses that have narrow aisles. Reach trucks look like standard warehouse forklifts. However, they have longer forks for maximum reach.

There are a handful of different forklift varieties, so it can be easy to confuse some of them. Although the variety can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming, keep reading to learn more about reach trucks and their benefits!

Certain forklifts may prove to be too wide for certain areas in a warehouse. Where standard forklifts can’t fit, you’ll often find employees using a reach truck instead (especially if the spot you want to load the goods is high).

As the name suggests, a reach truck is designed to reach hard-to-reach places. Some forklift varieties don’t have the capacity to reach very far, so this is where a reach truck will be used.

There are numerous benefits of having a reach truck in the workplace. Each type of forklift serves its own function in a warehouse, making them incredibly nifty and perfect for maximising productivity. The advantages of having a reach truck include:

• Allows you to make the most of your space. Having a reach truck allows you to make the most of your storage space, especially if the aisles are narrow. Since the aisles are narrow, it allows you to maximise your storage space without worrying about how you’ll load and unload goods.
• Enhances productivity. By having a forklift as an integral part of everyday operations, you can boost productivity by a long shot. Reach trucks save a lot of time and energy regarding operations that require labour, and it saves the employees from the possibility of injuries from strenuous activities.
• Can navigate tight spaces. One of the primary benefits of a reach truck is its ability to maneuver narrow and tight spaces. Since a reach truck’s turning radius is less than a standard factory floor/warehouse forklift, it makes reach trucks one of the most suitable varieties for small spaces.

Apart from reach trucks, there are numerous other forklift varieties on the market that serve several purposes in different applications. Different forklifts have varying functions according to which duty needs to be fulfilled.

A warehouse forklift is the most commonly used forklift variety, and people are often easily able to identify this type of forklift. With a seat built into the forklift, the operator can sit while driving the vehicle, which allows for seamless transportation of goods.

A heavy-duty forklift is great for transporting and loading heavier goods that standard forklifts don’t have the capacity for. These forklifts also have a great amount of reach, so they’re perfect if you need to lift heavy goods high.

Most commonly used for outdoor operations like construction duties, rough terrain forklifts are designed to withstand rougher conditions like rocky floors and pavements or uneven surfaces. Rough terrain forklifts consist of bigger than usual tires that assist with stability, ensuring the forklift doesn’t tip over or lose balance.

A Reach truck is an excellent investment for any workplace that uses forklifts, and you’ll find operations far more effective and efficient with a reach truck!