You may be wondering which type of forklift truck would be best suited for use in your warehouse. Reach trucks are a type of forklift that are commonly mentioned, simply because they are designed primarily for use in warehouse operations. Due to this, they offer maximum lift height with no compromise on manoeuvrability.
Why are reach forklifts named as such?
One of the main features and benefits of reach forklifts is their ability to reach their fork carriage out beyond the stabilising legs to reach further into racking – hence the name ‘reach.’ They can do this in very tight working environments whilst lifting in excess of 10 metres due to the stabilising legs. There’s no need for counterbalance weight due again to the stabilising legs.
Can reach trucks be used outside?
Because reach trucks are manufactured predominantly for use in warehouses, they are not suited for use outdoors. This is because they have a low under-carriage clearance which can cause issues on uneven surfaces. Similarly, the internal electric systems of reach forklifts can be disrupted if knocked repeatedly which can happen on uneven surfaces. Forklifts with high traction tyres are most suited for outdoor use.
Why are reach trucks great for warehouse use?
Reach trucks are great in environments where large storage density and fast storage and retrieval of goods is needed. This is because of their narrow chassis that is designed for working in narrow aisles and their moving mast which is specifically designed for pallet storage.
Some reach trucks are designed with a tilted cab mechanism as part of the forklift to make the viewing position more comfortable for the operator. Alternatively, some have open overhead guards which solves this problem.
If visibility is an issue, reach trucks can easily be fitted with cameras that can be fixed to the fork carriage. These can then transmit a signal down to a screen in the cab which aids in navigation.
If you’d like to learn more about how reach forklifts can aid your warehouse or to enquire about purchasing any reach forklifts, we have a range of quality Doosan forklifts available. Simply contact our team today: +44 (0) 800 298 8790 / +44 (0) 1785 818900 / sales@hflifttrucks.co.uk.