Material handling is an essential part of warehouse management, and the type of equipment used plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of the process. Out of the many choices, reach trucks and forklifts are two of the most popular types of equipment. Both of these types of equipment may look similar at first sight, but they differ in their characteristics and applications in some way. In this article, we will look at the differences between the reach trucks and forklifts, their design, uses and benefits. We will also discuss the advantages of electric reach trucks and forklifts and how Meenyon has contributed to this area.
A reach truck is a narrow-aisle, right-angle stacking truck used primarily for unit load handling with rack engagement. These trucks are designed to work in confined areas and narrow aisles to pick and place pallets in racks for storage. Reach trucks have two outer legs used to support the load and one set of wheels at the rear part of the truck. This design enables them to stretch their forks forward in order to “grab” into racks and pick loads.
Reach trucks are most often used in such places where space management is an important factor. Some common applications include:
Cold Storage: Reach trucks are ideal for cold-storage facilities where it is crucial to keep the aisles as tight as possible to accommodate more pallets.
Narrow Aisles: Unlike forklifts, reach trucks are able to maneuver within narrow aisles which is advantageous in warehouses with compact space.
Long-Load Handling: With long objects such as pipes and lumber, reach trucks are useful because they load such items sideways on the truck.
Truck Loading/Unloading: Reach trucks, therefore, are ideal for loading and unloading trucks in limited space.
There are different types of reach trucks available depending on the operational requirements. Some of the key features include
Universal Stance: This configuration enables the operator to view vertically upwards while loading and unloading the loads. This allows an open view when dealing with pallets and also a forward-facing direction of travel.
Dockstance or Side Stance: This configuration gives the operator a comfortable compartment and several angles for the operator to lean on and thus not get fatigued during long shifts.
A forklift, also known as a lift truck, is an industrial equipment used to lift and transport materials from one place to another within a short distance. Forklifts are of different types and have different sources of power such as electric, diesel and propane, etc and they are common in most industries. It is mounted with two forks at the front which are used to raise or lower the load for transport.
Forklifts are versatile machines used in various settings, including:
Warehouses: Forklifts are most often used for the transport of pallets and other types of material in warehouses.
Construction Sites: They can transport construction materials as well as construction equipment.
Manufacturing Plants: Forklifts are used to transport raw materials as well as the finished products within the manufacturing plants.
Loading Docks: They assist in the maneuvering of trucks and shipping containers to load and off load them.
Forklifts come with a range of features to enhance their functionality, including:
Load Capacity: Forklifts are used in lifting very heavy objects with a capacity of more than 5000 pounds.
Lift Height: Based on the type of forklift, it can lift loads to certain heights that’s why it is used for stacking materials.
Power Source: These trucks come in electric, diesel, and propane powered versions, which makes it easier to choose the one that meets the operational requirements.
Reach Trucks: Reach trucks are intended for use in aisles that are of a restricted width and these come equipped with outer legs for load support and a single rear wheel set. They can move forward and are long enough to go into the racks.
Forklifts: Forklifts have a kind of tough build with front fork operation and a counterweight at the back to balance the weights being lifted. They are usually larger and less agile than reach trucks when it comes to navigating around sharp corners.
Reach Trucks: Designed for use in tight spaces, reach trucks can maneuver through narrow aisles and lift loads to high levels of storage racks.
Forklifts: Forklifts are more versatile and can be used for various tasks such as lifting and shifting of heavy pallets, loading and unloading of trucks and shifting materials within a short distance.
Reach Trucks: Reach trucks are best suited for unit load handling since they are optimized for pick-and-place operations that require the handling of individual pallets. They do not normally handle large quantities of mass materials.
Forklifts: Intended for single & multiple number of items, forklifts are better in moving heavy items and in terms of stocking large quantities of products.
Reach Trucks: Most reach trucks are electrically operated and are therefore ideal for use indoors and especially in areas that require minimal emissions and noise.
Forklifts: Forklifts can be powered by electricity, diesel, and propane among other sources. This makes them fit for use in general projects especially those that are exposed to outdoor situations and other rigorous conditions.
To better understand the distinctions between reach trucks and forklifts, we can summarize their differences in a comparison table:
Feature/Aspect |
Reach Trucks |
Forklifts |
Design |
Compact, narrow-aisle design with outer legs |
Robust design with forks at the front and counterweight |
Primary Use |
High-density storage, narrow aisles |
Versatile material handling across various settings |
Load Capacity |
Lower compared to forklifts |
Higher, often exceeding 5,000 pounds |
Lift Height |
High, suitable for reaching upper racks |
Varies, but generally lower than reach trucks |
Maneuverability |
Excellent in tight spaces |
Less maneuverable in narrow aisles |
Power Source |
Mostly electric |
Electric, diesel, and propane options available |
Operational Efficiency |
Optimal for unit load handling and rack retrieval |
Suitable for both unit and bulk load handling |
Applications |
Cold storage, narrow aisles, truck loading/unloading |
Warehouses, construction sites, loading docks |
Compared to diesel and propane powered devices, electric reach trucks and forklifts are more friendly to the environment. These emit no fumes or gases and thus can be used indoors and contribute significantly to a minimal carbon emission by the warehouses.
Of course, the initial costs for electric reach trucks and forklifts can be slightly higher as compared to those that use fuel but over time costs of fuel and frequent maintenance are considerably lower. Electric motors have fewer parts as compared to internal combustion engines; thus, they wear out slowly and give minimal maintenance costs.
Electric reach trucks and forklifts are meant to provide ease of movement and mostly operate in confined areas. Due to their small turning radius and advanced control mechanism, operators can easily maneuver the trucks in the tight aisles especially when accessing high racks. This is especially useful in crowded storage systems where every inch of space has to be utilized efficiently.
Newer technologies of electric powered reach trucks and forklifts include safety features like stability control, easy operational design, and enhanced visibility. These features assist in reducing the number of accidents enhancing the safety of working environments.
Meenyon has been a pioneer in the design of electric storage equipment and intelligent handling robots, including electric reach truck forklifts. Over the years, the company has provided sophisticated systems that improve productivity and safety in material handling systems. Meenyon’s electric reach truck forklifts are equipped with modern technologies including AGVs and intelligent navigation systems to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Another feature of the company is the availability of custom solutions for every warehouse to satisfy individual requirements and reach the highest efficiency.
Selecting the right equipment in a material handling environment can often have a massive impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of operations. While reach trucks and forklifts appear to be the same equipment, they have their differences, as described in this article. The reach trucks are best suited to narrow aisle operating environments and high density applications like pallet pick offs. On the other hand, forklifts are more versatile and possess a strong load handling characteristic to suit several applications.
Some of the benefits that come with the use of electric reach trucks and forklifts include environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, improved mobility, and increased safety. Meenyon has been at the forefront of this area due to its focus on innovation and quality to offer sophisticated products that address the current and future needs of warehouses.