What are the Features, Uses, and Benefits of a Reach Truck?
Online shopping has increased the workload of warehouses and logistics. Moving materials from one place to the other takes time and requires manpower, increasing labor costs. A reach truck comes in handy to move materials over short distances in warehouses, distribution stores, and cold storage facilities etc.
In this guide, you are going to learn how these reach trucks are used and what are their features and benefits.
What is a Reach Truck?
A reach truck is a type of forklift used in warehouses and indoor cold storage houses. Reach trucks can move their forks forward to load material in the racking systems.
A reach truck is a perfect choice to have for a warehouse having narrow aisle storage and high shelves. Most of the retail warehouses and distribution centers use these reach trucks, where maximizing the cubic space is needed.
The Key Features of a Reach Truck
Extendable Forks
The most defining feature of the reach truck forklift is the forward motion of the forks. The pantograph mechanism in these reach trucks allows you to reach the pallets stored deep in the racks.
The extendable forks increase the reach of the truck without moving the vehicle too much.
Compact Design
A Reach truck has a compact size, allowing it to operate in the narrow aisles. The excellent maneuverability and compact size of these trucks allow them to enter aisles as narrow as 3 meters.
This narrow size of the vehicle helps businesses to manage workload quite efficiently, as you can use more than one truck in the workspace.
360 Degree Steering
A reach truck has 360-degree steering, allowing the driver to move the fork from one side to the other without moving the truck itself.
This feature is helpful while loading and unloading materials from one space to the other.
High Lift Heights
The fork height for most of the reach trucks is commendable, reaching a height of about 9 to 12 meters. It makes a reach truck a perfect choice for warehouses having multi-tiered racks and tall storage facilities.
Safe and Secure for the Operators
These trucks have adjustable seats, hot and cool temperature systems, digital displays, and alarm systems. The camera system installed in the latest versions also help operators to load and unload materials while sitting inside the truck.
Uses of the Reach Trucks
Warehouse Storage
The electric reach truck are used mostly in the retail warehouses where high racks are used to store materials. They are used to move goods to and from the high racks in narrow aisles.
Cold Storage Facilities
The compact design of a reach truck makes it a perfect choice to use for cold storage facilities where high shelving systems are used to conserve the expensive refrigerators.
Manufacturing Plants
The manufacturing plants and construction sites have reach trucks to manage the labor workload. These trucks come in handy when high-tech equipment is needed to shift from the ground to the heights. The network towers might also use these trucks to load and unload heavy equipment.
Distribution Centers
The distribution centers often use a reach truck forklift to load and unload material with speed and efficiency. The risks of material breakage are minimized while using these trucks. So, distribution centers use these trucks in large numbers to save a lot of time and to protect their expensive materials.
Benefits of Using a Reach Truck
A electric reach truck is beneficial for businesses looking to improve storage space, safety, and productivity. Here are a few of the benefits of having a reach truck.
Space Efficiency
Reach trucks are beneficial for most of the urban storages where land rates are higher and space is the top priority. The reach trucks operate in narrower spaces and their forks reach heights up to 10-12 meters.
Improves Productivity
A single operator moves goods and heavy boxes from one place to another other providing safety and speed. There are fewer chances of breakage while using these trucks in the facility.
Cost Efficient
Reach trucks are cost-efficient. The maintenance costs are cheap due to their battery-powered operations. The labor costs are also reduced as only one operator is needed to move goods from one place to the other.
Environmental Benefits
Zero emissions due to electrically powered vehicles ensure a healthy work environment. It helps businesses maintain their sustainability goals and allows other workers to work in the same area.
Maintenance Tip: Always check the brakes, calibrate sensors, tires, and batteries before operating. Don't forget to lubricate the moving parts after regular intervals.
Final Words
Warehouses and storage facilities with high racking systems require reach trucks to load and unload materials safely. These trucks are used to lower the labor costs and bring efficiency and speed to their work.
Meenyon, as an reach truck manufacturer, provides a variety of electric reach truck to customers for commercial use. The company's motto is to bring versatility in the work by selling these trucks to warehouses, cold storage, and retail stores. Check them out for more services and custom quotes.
FAQs
What is the difference between a Forklift and a Reach truck?
A forklift generally occupies more space and is fitted for both indoor and outdoor use. On the other hand, a reach truck is used to reach heights and occupies lesser space, providing the best maneuverability.
How much weight can a reach truck bear?
A typical reach truck can bear a load ranging from 1000 kg to 2500 kg. The height is another factor to consider, as higher heights may reduce the stability and maneuverability.
Is it easier to operate a reach truck?
Yes, the latest reach trucks offer extensive features that can help operators manage their work quite efficiently.
