Simple Guide To Reach Trucks

It’s true that reach truck models are ideal for lifting and storing heavy pallets, but not all provide the same features. You will find a great variety of options and configurations available for modern reach truck models, that it’s hard to find the right one. What you need to do is look beyond the weight and lifting capacity.

If you want to choose the best reach truck for your operations, then you must do a little homework beforehand. Before you make any decision, you first determine the type of materials you will handle, where and how you are going to store them. Then you need to get familiar with the different types of vehicles available.

Fuel Types

Electric – Electric reach trucks are most commonly used indoors as they are not as noisy as other types. If you are going to use the reach truck for multi-shift operations, then you’ll need extra batteries and charging stations.

• AC or DC – Most manufacturers produce reach trucks with AC motors, but that doesn’t mean you will have to drive around a long extension cord. These AC powered reach truck models work on DC batteries or can be converted into the AC mode when needed.

• Regenerative Braking – Some reach trucks use regenerative braking, similar technology used in hybrid automobiles. This innovative technology enables recharging of the batteries when you use brakes to slow down or stop the truck.

• Fast Charging – If you want to reduce the need of changing the batteries on multi-shift operations, choose this fast charging technology. You will be able to recharge the batteries fast, during lunch brakes or between shifts.

LP Liquid Propane – If you plan to use your reach truck for indoor and outdoor use, consider the models that run on liquid propane.

Gasoline or Diesel – Reach trucks that run on diesel are ideal for outdoor use only. These trucks are mainly used for heavy construction and industrial tasks.

Fuel-cell Technology – If you are tired of charging or changing the batteries, consider the reach truck that features innovative fuel-cell technology.

Tire Types

• Cushioned Tires – Reach trucks with cushioned tires are ideal for smooth solid surface, with no use of tread pattern. Perfect for indoor use.

• Pneumatic Tires – If you plan to use the reach truck outdoors, then choose the pneumatic tires. Trucks with pneumatic tires are ideal for uneven or loose surfaces.

Aisle Types

• Wide Aisle – Standard reach trucks belong to this category and are designed to lift and store loads in aisles wider than 335 cm.

• Narrow Aisle – These trucks are ideal for aisles 243 and 305 cm wide.

• Very Narrow Aisle – Trucks that can operate in very narrow aisles use additional guidance systems like wire or optical rails.