Forklift Truck Guide

A reach truck is a type of forklift specifically designed for narrow aisle operations and high-level pallet storage in warehouses. It is commonly used with Adjustable Pallet Racking (APR) systems because of its ability to extend its forks forward to “reach” into racking, hence the name.

Key Features of a Reach Truck

1. Extendable Forks (Reach Mechanism)

   • Allows the forks to move forward and backward to access pallets deep within racking.

2. Narrow Aisle Design

   • Compact and maneuverable, ideal for aisles as narrow as 2.5 to 3 meters (~8–10 ft).

3. High Lift Heights

   • Can lift loads to heights over 10 meters (~30+ feet), making them great for vertical storage.

4. Tilt & Side Shift Functionality

   • Forks can tilt and move side-to-side for precise pallet positioning.

5. Operator Positioning

   • Operators usually sit sideways for better visibility and comfort in narrow aisles.

The Narrow Aisle Truck is a type of forklift designed specifically to operate in aisles as little as 1600mm. It cannot be used outside. These trucks need floor guide rail or wire installed into the floor to operate in the aisle which is an added cost. It has a good lift height and some trucks can lift the man up to the higher levels giving him advantage to pick.

Key Features of a Narrow Aisle Truck:

• Slim chassis for operation in aisles as narrow as 1.6–2 meters

• High lift height capabilities (up to 12–14 meters)

• Precision controls for accurate handling in tight spaces

• Articulating or rotating mast (turret or articulated trucks) for side pallet access

• Man-up or man-down configurations depending on task (picking vs. full pallet handling)

• Wire or rail guidance systems for stability and aisle alignment

• Advanced stability systems with tilt and load sensors

• Compact turning radius for maneuverability in tight corner

Best Used In:

• High-volume distribution centers

• Retail/wholesale storage facilities

• Cold storage with limited footprint

• Warehouses using Very Narrow Aisle Racking (VNA Racking)

Articulated Trucks can operate in aisles as small as 1800mm depending on the pick up face of the pallet.   This allows the truck to pivot its front mast independently of the rear body, enabling it to enter and operate in very narrow aisles while maintaining the versatility of standard forklifts.

Key Features of Articulated Truck

• Articulating Mast/Chassis – Forks and mast can rotate up to 220°, allowing pallet entry without turning the full truck.
• Narrow Aisle Operation –Works in aisles as narrow as 1.6–2.0 meters, increasing racking density.
• High Lift Heights – Lifts pallets up to 12–14 meters, suitable for tall racking.
• Precision Fork Control – Side-shift and tilt functions for accurate pallet placement at height.
• One-Truck Solution – Combines the functions of a counterbalance, reach, and narrow aisle truck — reducing fleet complexity.
• Good Visibility – Open mast design and ergonomic operator position offer better line of sight for handling.
• No Special Infrastructure Needed – Unlike turret trucks, they don’t require wire or rail guidance systems or ultra-flat floors.

Advantages

• Versatile: Combines functions of counterbalance and reach trucks.

• Narrow Aisle Use: Reduces aisle widths — increases racking capacity.

• Flexible Operation: Can work indoors and outdoors (unlike most reach/VNA trucks).

• Cost-Effective: Reduces need for multiple truck types.

• Easy to Learn: Simpler to operate than turret or VNA trucks.