Are you a warehouse owner or worker annoyed by all the space not being utilized high on those shelves? A reach truck is the right equipment for filling that space and decluttering the warehouse.
Clutter can lead to danger in a warehouse or distribution center. Safety is crucial for employees, and a reach truck can provide that safety by clearing floors of products.
This guide will help you decide if a reach truck is right for you. You will understand what a reach truck is, the different types of reach trucks available, and what to consider when choosing one over other equipment.
Reach trucks will be found where products are stacked high on shelves, and the spaces between the shelves are narrow.
This type of forklift was created to help warehouses, distribution centers, and larger retail stores use space more efficiently. A reach truck can extend its length and reach, increasing storage by up to 30% in a warehouse or distribution center.
Some of the key features of reach trucks include their extendable mast, which allows them to pick up and place products on shelving, and their compact design, which allows for better maneuverability in small spaces.
However, reach trucks are better suited for indoor use because they may not perform well on outdoor surfaces and have weight limitations.
The single-reach truck is small and compact and the most used type of reach truck. Designed for small—to medium-sized warehouses, it is best suited for single-pallet shelving.
Similar in size to the single-reach truck, the double-deep-reach truck is better suited for higher-volume warehouses. It has a more extended reach than the single-reach truck and can stack products up to two pallets deep on shelving.
The mechanism that allows the double-deep-reach truck to stack and retrieve pallets is its telescoping scissor mechanism.
The moving mast reach truck has a unique design for loading and unloading products on shelving. Instead of a telescoping scissor mechanism like the double-deep-reach truck, the entire mast of the moving mast reach trucks moves.
Since the mast itself moves, the moving mast reach truck does not have to get up against the shelving to place and pick up products like other different types of reach trucks, so a second set of wheels can be placed on the front if wanted or needed.
The main feature of multidirectional reach trucks that distinguishes them from other types is their wheels, which can rotate 90 degrees, allowing for increased maneuverability. It can move in different directions (forward, backward, and sideways).
The multidirectional reach truck can carry awkward loads in narrow spaces, like pipes and wood planks.
With the need for reach truck operators increasing and people taking the proper training courses, robotic reach trucks are another option. Robotic reach trucks are still relatively new to the industry.
They can integrate with currently used operating systems at the warehouse. The robot can independently pick up and drop off products from shelving, conveyor belts, and more.
Different types of reach trucks offer different things. Determining what you need for your particular setting is essential before choosing a reach truck. Some things you should consider include:
Different types of reach trucks have different requirements regarding warehouse size and aisle width. Reach truck designs are for working in smaller spaces with narrow aisles and higher storage spaces.
You need to consider the size and weight of the products you store. Each type of reach truck has different weight specifications they can carry. Reach trucks are better suited for pallet products.
Due to their design, reach trucks are better suited for indoor use in a warehouse setting. Uneven terrain in outdoor environments poses a risk to the reach truck and driver.
Different types of reach trucks have various safety features, so it is important to research each kind of reach truck carefully. Reach trucks also have different training requirements than other equipment.
For example, reach trucks are used in narrow spaces, so the operator must have specified training to account for this. They are also used to lift products higher than other equipment, so operators need specific training in this area.
Research the cost and maintenance of different types of reach trucks before deciding which is the best option for your particular situation.
Reach Trucks are more specialized in design than other equipment, so they tend to be more expensive upfront. However, renting a reach truck is also an option if the upfront cost of purchasing a reach truck is too much.
When considering operational costs, the difference between electric, gas, or diesel is everything. Electric reach trucks may be more costly upfront, but their long-term costs are much lower than those of other types.
Reach trucks are highly efficient in a warehouse setting for improving operations by increasing productivity and reducing handling time.
If you are considering purchasing a reach truck for your business, you must do the proper research beforehand. Different types of reach trucks offer different things. The setting inside your business will help determine which would be the best option for you.
If you have any questions or are considering buying a reach truck, contact us at 123 Forklift today.
Sources:
What is a Reach Truck? - Warehouse IQ
Understanding Reach Trucks: Efficient Warehouse Solutions (txmotive.com)
Reach Truck vs Forklift - Which one do You Need? - Sourcefy
How Robotic Reach Trucks Factor Into Warehouse Operations (forbes.com)
Bill Me - Net 30
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