Reach Trucks

Reach trucks are a specialised class of warehouse lift truck, designed for narrow-aisle and high-racking environments. Unlike a standard counterbalance forklift, reach trucks extend their forks horizontally via a pantograph or reach mechanism so they can access pallets deeper in shelving without moving the chassis forward. Because they don’t rely on a heavy rear counterweight, they have a smaller footprint, tighter turning circle and are much more manoeuvrable in compact spaces. When you see warehouse reach trucks, the emphasis is often on maximising storage density, high-lift capability and safe indoor operations rather than outdoor yard use.

Opting for a used reach forklift offers excellent value for money, particularly in busy warehousing and logistics operations where capital expenditure is under pressure. Reach trucks retain strong mechanical durability because they are designed for indoor, controlled-environment use, less exposure to weather or rough terrain compared to outdoor forklifts. By purchasing a well-maintained used reach truck, you can access high performance, strong lift heights and narrow aisle flexibility at a fraction of new cost. The key is ensuring the machine has been serviced, inspected and refurbished as required, so you get a reliable reach truck that meets your operational demands.

When you’re looking at reach trucks for sale, it’s vital to match the machine’s specification to your warehouse layout and process flow. You need to consider the aisle width, rack height and load weight. Because reach trucks are made for deep-racking environments, you must ensure the mast height and reach mechanism fit your racking dimensions. Reach trucks excel in “narrow-aisle” usage, which allows you to reduce aisle width and increase storage density.

Investing in reach trucks can significantly boost your storage capacity and operational efficiency as reach trucks allow you to operate in narrower aisles, meaning you can pack more racking into the same floor area, which maximises vertical space. Their high-lift capabilities mean you can access pallets on higher levels, something conventional forklifts may struggle with in tight spaces. With well-selected reach trucks, you reduce travel time, increase throughput and optimise your footprint, for operations where every square metre counts.

Generally speaking, warehouse reach trucks are optimised for indoor warehouse applications with flat, smooth floors and narrow aisles. Many models are electric powered and rely on indoor-style tyres and chassis configurations. For heavy duty outdoor yard work or rough surfaces, a different truck type may be better. If you still want reach-style access outdoors, make sure the reach truck has the correct tyres, outdoor specification and stability for the environment. Always check whether the unit is designed for outdoor shifts before purchasing.