EP Equipment – Reach Truck

What is a Reach Truck and What is it Used For

A reach truck is a type of material handling equipment designed for warehouse operations that involve stacking and retrieving loads from high shelves.

Its specialty lies in its ability to ‘reach’ out beyond its stabilizing legs and lift loads with great stability, making it ideal for narrow aisle operations. Unlike traditional forklifts, a reach forklift is optimized for indoor use with bigger space, providing high level of maneuverability and height capabilities.

Distinguishing Reach Trucks from Reach Forklifts

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a distinction to be made between reach trucks and reach forklifts. A reach truck is specifically engineered for indoor use, excelling in narrow aisles with its ability to extend its forks and lift loads high without moving its base. This is particularly advantageous in tightly packed warehouse settings.

On the other hand, a reach forklift generally refers to any forklift with an extended reach capability, often suitable for both indoor and outdoor tasks, but may not possess the same narrow aisle finesse as a dedicated reach truck. The choice between the two will depend on the specific operational requirements and the environment in which the equipment will be used.

Choose the Right Reach Truck For Your Business

When selecting a reach truck, consider factors such as lift height, load capacity, aisle width, and the frequency of use. Whether you need a reach stacker for heavy-duty lifting or a more compact reach truck forklift for smaller operations, understanding what does ‘reach’ stand for in your specific context is crucial—it’s about extending both the capability and efficiency of your material handling. The choice between a reach truck vs forklift also depends on the nature of your warehouse layout and the specificity of tasks at hand.

Always consider the ergonomics and visibility for the operator, the battery life for electric models, and the maintenance requirements to ensure a cost-effective and productive investment in your reach equipment.

Battery Types – Li-Ion vs. Lead Acid

EP Equipment offers reach trucks powered by two different types of batteries: lithium-ion (Li-Ion) and lead-acid. Each type presents its own set of advantages and considerations.

Lithium-ion Batteries

Pros:

• Maintenance-free with no need for water top-ups.
• Faster charging and opportunity charging capabilities.
• Longer lifespan and better energy efficiency.

Cons:

• Higher initial investment.
• Requires a compatible charging system.

Lead Acid Batteries

Pros:

• Lower initial cost.
• Proven and reliable technology.
• Can be more economical for certain usage patterns.

Cons:

• Requires regular maintenance and a dedicated charging area.
• Longer charging times with no opportunity charging.
• Heavier, which may influence the reach truck’s performance.

When choosing between Li-Ion and lead-acid batteries for a reach truck, consider the specific needs of your operation, including budget, charging infrastructure, operational intensity, and maintenance capabilities. Each type of battery offers distinct benefits, and the choice will largely depend on the particular demands of your material handling environment.

Load Capacity

• CQD15S: Suitable for operations requiring up to 1.5 tonnes.
• CQD16/20L: Designed for handling loads around 1.6 to 2.0 tonnes.
• CQD25RV(F): Ideal for heavier loads up to 2.5 tonnes.

Application and Use Case

• New CQD RV Series: Advanced series for high-demand environments, offering enhanced performance features.
• CQE Series: Optimized for energy efficiency, suitable for cost-conscious operations with moderate intensity.

Operator Position

• Stand-On Models (e.g., CQD15S, CQD16/20L): For short-distance travel and frequent on-and-off operations.
• Sit-Down Models (e.g., CQD25RV(F), New CQD RV Series): For comfort during longer travel distances.

By categorizing the reach trucks in these ways, EP Equipment can address the varied needs of different industries and operational scales, helping customers make an informed decision based on their specific use cases and requirements.

For More Details

For more details of our products, please feel free to download the product data sheets and resources at our Resource Hub.

If you have further questions or need assistance in choosing the right reach truck, please reach out to EP for personalized support and expert advice.