The Difference between a Reach Truck and a Forklift
October 13, 2021

The Difference between a Reach Truck and a Forklift



Whether you're doing some heavy work or starting your operator training, knowing the difference between a reach truck and a forklift is critical. Many individuals are unaware that forklifts are a generic name for a number of lift and load vehicles designed for specialized tasks. Every kind of forklift has a unique way of working.

 

The following are two of the most common types of forklifts:

Reach Trucks

 

Reach trucks are ideally suited to warehouse activities because they combine high lift height capacity with exceptional mobility. The machine's capacity to reach out further than its supporting legs inspired the term. That makes reaching into racking a breeze, and the truck can elevate to great altitudes in even the tightest of working spaces. A reach truck's batteries and stabilizing legs also eliminate the need for a counterbalance.


 

Most truck manufacturers incorporate a tilt system into their designs, allowing the cab to recline slightly and offer the operator a more good viewing posture. To achieve the desired result, a reach truck may have a completely open above the guard. Reach trucks could be equipped with cameras that broadcast video to an LCD display in the cabin for much more visibility.


 

Although this sort of forklift truck is perfect for indoor use, it is not totally suitable for outdoor use. Limited under-carriage clearance might be problematic, particularly on uneven terrain. Furthermore, if the electric power systems are routinely tossed around owing to uneven surfaces, connection concerns can arise.

Counterbalance Forklift Trucks

 

The most popular form of forklift truck is a counterbalance forklift truck, which is what most individuals imagine when they think of a forklift. The forks protrude from the front of the truck, and there are no projecting legs or arms, allowing this type of vehicle to get very near the load position or racking. As a result, there is no need for a reach facility, and the truck is quite simple to operate.

 

Electric, gas, or diesel can all be used to power this sort of forklift truck. Side shifts, a mast tilt facility, and an operator's cab are all standard on several types. The name of this truck comes from the fact that it is designed with a huge counterbalance at the rear to compensate for the load being raised towards the front. Because the battery is also rather heavy, electric-powered counterweight trucks can work with a lesser counterbalance.


 

We have to take into account that there are different types of reach trucks:


 

Moving Mast Reach Trucks


 

The primary focus of moving pole reach trucks is hydraulic systems. The mast can move forward thanks to this hydraulic system, which is based on tracks. The biggest drawback of a moving pole reach truck is that It cannot support double-deep shelving without an accessory such as a fork extension.


 

Pantograph Reach Trucks


Pantograph reach trucks have a distinctive scissor structure that allows them to reach deep into storage racking by extending the lifting system forward. When using a pantograph reach truck, racking setups must be set up without a bar on the lower level, and base pallets should be put directly onto the ground, as these reach trucks are designed to go into the racks to load pallets.New Paragraph

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