Reach Truck vs Forklift: What’s the Difference?

A reach truck is always a forklift, but a forklift is not always a reach truck. Confused? We don't blame you! There are a lot of similarities between reach trucks and the traditional counterbalance forklifts you're used to. However, reach trucks fill a niche in the warehouse ecosystem that counterbalance forklifts can't. Read on to learn the difference between reach trucks and counterbalance forklifts.

Reach Trucks Are a Type of Forklift

Reach trucks are a type of forklift distinct from the typical counterbalance trucks that are more common in the industry. These specialized machines are defined by their ability to extend their forks forward, away from the forklift's body, using a hydraulic scissor-like device called a pantograph. The pantograph mounts between the forks and the mast. This gives the truck the ability to reach into racks to retrieve pallets.

Balanced, Not Counterbalanced

In the average forklift, a heavy weight sits on the rear of the vehicle. This weight counteracts the downward pressure of the fully loaded forks and keeps the truck’s wheels firmly on the ground. However, a reach truck does not have a counterweight. Instead, it uses a pair of wheeled base legs that extend beyond the front of the mast. The placement of these legs moves the reach truck’s center of gravity closer to the forks. This counteracts the tilting force of the loaded forks and removes the need for a counterweight.

Space Efficient

Losing the counterweight reduces the overall chassis size. This, combined with a narrower wheelbase, makes reach trucks more maneuverable than most counterbalance forklifts. Where your average forklift needs 10 to 12 feet of aisle space to operate, reach trucks need as little as 8 feet of aisle width to move freely.

Additionally, reach truck masts tend to be taller than their counterbalanced cousins. The extended masts allow these forklifts to access the taller racking structures common in space-conscious warehouses. Their compact size and extended height make reach trucks excellent choices for facilities concerned about efficient space usage.

Lifting Limits

Counterbalance forklifts can lift enormous payloads thanks mainly to their counterweight systems. However, reach trucks have limited capacity because they lack a counterweight. Maximum loads vary by model, but the strongest reach trucks top out at about 4,500 lbs. Conversely, some counterbalance forklifts can lift loads over 100,000 lbs.

Learn how to read a forklift capacity chart here.  

Indoor vs Outdoor

There are forklifts out there for every environment and situation. However, most of them are counterbalance models. Counterbalance forklifts are available in various tire types, from indoor cushion to outdoor pneumatic. These, combined with variable ground clearances, give counterbalance forklifts a lot of versatility in their operational environment.

Reach trucks, on the other hand, typically use either cushion or polyurethane tires, both of which are rated for indoor use. These machines function best on solid, smooth ground, like the flooring of a warehouse. 

Fuel Options

Counterbalanced forklifts are also available in a diverse array of fuel types. Quality models exist for all the major fuel sources:

• Electric
• Liquid propane gas (LPG)
• Diesel
• Gasoline
• Compressed natural gas (CNG)
• Hydrogen fuel cells might even be on the way

However, reach trucks are electric only. This makes them zero-emission, clean-fuel vehicles that help preserve the air quality of your warehouse space without requiring upgrades to your HVAC system. Electric battery technology is improving every day, increasing reach truck run-times and allowing outstanding charging flexibility.

You can even get paid to charge warehouse equipment like reach trucks with the  Washington Clean Fuel Standard & Oregon’s Clean Fuel Program. 

Ergonomics

Typically, operators sit in counterbalanced forklifts. They utilize a steering wheel, gear shift, and pedals, much like a car. Consequently, their operator ergonomics center around a seated driver and typically include features such as an adjustable seat and steering wheel. Operators also tend to sit higher in these models, requiring steps and hand-holds for entry.

Reach trucks are exclusively stand-up models. They utilize a low deck to allow the driver to step directly into the operator's compartment. Their controls usually include a steering wheel, a joystick for acceleration and mast control, and an operator presence pedal (aka a deadman's Pedal). The driver stands on this pedal while operating the truck. If the driver should ever step off, the deadman's switch triggers, and the forklift ceases to function.

There are stand-up counterbalance forklifts, but these are less common. They are similar in design to reach trucks, but they lack a pantograph and base legs.

Types of Reach Trucks

Within the category of reach trucks, there are four primary types. All of these include the general features described above.

• Single-reach trucks. These are the standard variety of reach trucks that include standard-length forks mounted on a pantograph.
• Double-reach trucks. These trucks are like single-reach trucks but have double-reach allowing the operator to reach deeper into racking.
• Moving mast reach trucks. Unlike other reach trucks, these machines have the entire mast mounted on the pantograph, not just the forks.
• Multidirectional reach trucks. These trucks have pivoting wheels that allow them to move laterally as well as forward and reverse. This improves the maneuverability of the forklift.

When To Use a Reach Truck

Counterbalance forklifts are incredibly versatile machines that fill many roles in and out of the warehouse. Some models can lift nearly any size load, and a bewildering assortment of attachments expand their uses beyond simple pallet haulers.

Reach trucks are more specialized. Reach trucks are best used for indoor warehouse applications. They are an excellent choice for facilities that place a premium on storage space since they maneuver well in narrow aisles and have taller masts. Since the operator is standing, they are best for frequent short runs rather than shift-long hauls.

Acquisition Options

Reach trucks are an excellent addition to any busy warehouse. Yet, they remain a specialty item for many facilities. As such, most dealers order reach trucks as needed and will not keep stock at their facility. This can extend the acquisition time on reach trucks compared to conventional counterbalance forklifts. Be sure to plan for this lead time if you decide to add a reach truck to your fleet.

Whether you're looking for a reach truck, a counterbalance forklift, or any other forklift variation, our local team has the expertise you need to find the perfect machine. An on-site visit from our experts will determine the best forklift for your facility, industry, and workflow. Additionally, our flexible leasing options ensure you always have the latest equipment to keep your business on the cutting edge. To learn more about our forklift options or to inquire about leasing your next forklift, contact us online or visit your local Mid Columbia Forklift.

Auburn 253-854-5438
Pasco 509-547-7413
Wenatchee 509-663-9009
Yakima 509-457-5137

Further Reading
Forklift Rental Seattle: Why the Local Guys Do It Best
What Is the Washington Clean Fuel Act
How To Calculate Forklift Minimum Aisle Widths