The Ultimate Guide to Reach Forklifts

Here at East Midlands Forklifts, we’re proud to supply all types of forklifts to our customers in Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and the surrounding areas. Over the last 20 years, we have helped people discover the most suitable forklift for their needs, including reach forklifts.

Reach forklifts are one of the most common forklift types in the industry, and we’ve put together this extensive guide to help you understand everything you need to know about a high reach forklift. 

What is a reach forklift?

A reach forklift, also known as a high reach forklift, is perhaps the most common type in the industry. 

These specialist machines are designed for use in environments with narrow aisles and high racking systems, and feature forks that are able to extend horizontally to great heights. This allows the forklift to retrieve pallets of stock with ease. 

Operated electronically, the extendable forks, access to heights and ability to easily manoeuvre around small gaps make  reach forklifts a popular choice in warehouses, factories and a range of other commercial and industrial settings.

Types of reach forklifts

There are several different types of reach forklifts, including:

• Standard reach forklift – The classic version that is common throughout the industry.

• Stand-up reach forklift – A machine that allows the user to stand up in the cab to enhance visibility. 

• Narrow aisle reach forklift – Specially designed for narrow spaces.

• High capacity reach forklift – Perfect if you need to lift particularly heavy loads.

• Double-reach forklift – These trucks have extra capacity and can carry even more stock. 

Common uses of reach forklifts 

Reach forklifts are perfect for a wide range of environments, including:

• High-racked warehouses
• Cold storage facilities 
• Manufacturing sites
• Retail environments
• Distribution centres 

Key features of reach forklifts 

When buying or hiring a reach forklift, there is a wide range of features you should consider:

Lift height and reach depth

Reach forklifts are designed to access high-racking systems, which makes them perfect for warehouse and factory environments where vertical storage is in place. When making a purchase, consider the maximum lift height to ensure it meets your needs. We have forklifts that reach up to 13000mm. 

Load capacity 

Our range of reach forklifts also offers impressive load capacities of up to three tonnes, depending on the model. Make sure you choose a load capacity that aligns with the weight of the materials you’ll be moving. 

Battery type and runtime 

Most reach forklifts are electrically powered by a battery. With different types available, evaluate your operational needs and choose an option that is most suitable. Our expert team will be able to advise on the best choice for you. 

Manoeuvrability and turning radius 

One of the standout features of a reach forklift is its ability to navigate tight spaces. This makes it perfect for travelling down narrow aisles and densely packed storage areas. Always assess the width of the aisles in your facility to ensure you’re ordering a forklift that will fit.

Safety features 

All of our trucks come with a range of safety features to reduce accidents and give you peace of mind. Speak to our team for more information on these features.

Full specification sheets are provided with every reach forklift, providing you with a comprehensive rundown of all the features. 

 

Benefits of reach forklifts 

When you buy or hire a reach forklift from East Midlands Forklifts, you’ll receive a range of great benefits, including:

Narrow aisle capabilities 

Reach forklifts are specifically designed for narrow aisles, allowing you to navigate your warehouse space with ease. 

Small turning radius 

Thanks to their compact build and agile steering, reach trucks can easily manoeuvre through tight spaces and difficult angles.

High lifting heights 

Reach forklifts can lift to significant heights, with our trucks able to reach up to 13000mm. This is perfect if your facility uses vertical storage. 

Compact design 

The compact design of reach forklifts means they can operate in places with limited space without causing any disruption. 

Efficient operation 

Our electric forklifts work quickly and efficiently, which can help with faster load handling, increasing productivity. 

Good safety operations 

All our reach forklifts come equipped with a range of safety features that reduce the likelihood of accidents and keep everyone safe. 

What training do I need to use it?

It is important that you are fully trained before operating a reach forklift. At East Midlands Forklifts, we offer a wide range of reach forklift training courses. Whether you’ve never used one before, you are experienced, or you simply need a refresher, our AITT accredited team provides both theory and practical training that equips you with all the skills you need to operate a reach forklift safely and successfully. 

If you’re looking to buy or hire a reach forklift, East Midlands Forklifts is here to help. We’ve spent more than two decades supplying forklifts to organisations across Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and the surrounding areas. Simply contact us today for more information.