Did you know that there are more than 1.5 million forklift operators in the United States of America? Two of the most important tools that any warehouse can have at its disposal are the forklift and the reach truck. The fact of the matter is that most people don’t understand the fundamental differences when it comes to a forklift vs. reach truck.
If you’re looking at starting a warehousing company of your own then it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the differences between these two powerful tools. Luckily, you’ve found the right forklift guide to help you learn about the pros and cons of each as well as the forklift uses.
Keep reading this article to learn more today!
What Is a Reach Truck?
A reach truck is a tool that looks like a compact forklift, and it’s perfect for operating in cramped quarters. They allow you to make use of a fantastic lift height while still getting to enjoy a high level of maneuverability. They’re designed to make it easy to reach deep into your warehouse’s racking in a safe and effective way.
You also won’t need to worry about counterbalance with heavy loads since the reach truck has legs to stabilize itself. The best reach trucks recline so that the operator can maintain a great view of the cargo that they’re moving in the warehouse. If you’re looking for a drawback with these great machines, it’s that they’re not designed to work outside.
What Is a Forklift?
A forklift is a predominant tool that many people picture when it comes to moving loads in a warehouse. The forklift has forks that are located at the front of the machine which is used to lift the heavy loads up into the racking in a safe and efficient manner. The design allows you to get close to the racking without touching it.
You’ll have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to a fuel system for your warehouse’s forklifts. There are electric forklifts, diesel forklifts, and gas-powered forklifts on the market that are perfect for your warehouse operations. They’re designed to allow you to use them on different terrains and in the great outdoors without issue.
Forklifts are different from reach trucks in the sense that they have a massive counterbalance on the rear of the machine. This counterbalance makes it easy for the forklift to lift heavy loads with a high degree of safety, especially after the operator passes the forklift safety online training.
Now You Know the Difference Between a Forklift vs. Reach Truck
If you plan on running a successful warehouse then you need to have the right tools at your disposal. Knowing the difference between a forklift vs. reach truck will help you choose the right tools for your setup and allow you to access heavy cargoes high in your racking. If you plan on outdoor use then it’s best to consider getting a forklift for its ruggedness.
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