Forklift vs reach truck

A counterbalance forklift is the more flexible machine. It can work outdoors, on uneven ground, and load or unload a truck, as well as move pallets indoors. It needs a wider aisle to turn in, typically around 3.5 to 4 metres for a standard unit.

A reach truck is built for one job: moving and stacking pallets in narrow warehouse aisles, often as tight as 2.5 to 3 metres. It can usually lift higher than a forklift of similar size, which matters if your racking goes above about 6 metres. It is an indoor, flat-floor machine and is not suited to loading trucks outside or working on rough ground.

If your aisles are wide and the work is mixed indoor and outdoor, a forklift is the simpler choice. If you are stacking high in narrow racking and working entirely on a warehouse floor, a reach truck will move more product per hour in the same footprint.

Message us your aisle width and your maximum stacking height on Viber, and we will tell you which one fits and quote it, whether you are buying or renting.