Reach Truck vs. Counterbalance Forklift Truck

Finding the right forklift for your business can be a difficult task, but we’re here to make it easier. When it comes to the topic of using reach trucks vs. counterbalance forklift trucks, you have to consider the work environment you’ll be operating them in. Use this guide to reach and counterbalance trucks to determine which is best built for your daily operating procedures.

Reach Trucks

Reach trucks can be your best friend if you’re looking for maximum maneuverability and lifting height. This type of truck is the best choice for indoor warehouse environments because of its inability to function in uneven, outdoor conditions.

The design of the reach truck also allows for reaching upward and outward, hence the name, and also offers a more comfortable line of sight for operators. Whereas the counterbalance forklift uses a rear weight for balance, the reach truck’s counterbalance is simply its stabilizing legs and batteries.

Counterbalance Trucks

Counterbalance forklifts are very common in warehouse environments. You can power this vehicle with electricity, as well as with propane, compressed natural gas (CNG), gas, or diesel, to transport materials to and from stations in the workplace. You can outfit counterbalance forklifts for both indoor and outdoor use with the help of the right attachments to adapt to the chosen terrain.

The name “counterbalance” comes from the truck’s rear counterbalance weight, which keeps it stable when lifting and transporting loads. While counterbalance forklifts typically have four wheels, there are versions with only three wheels. Counterbalance forklifts with three wheels are better at making tight turns and operating within narrow environments, similar to reach trucks.

Now that you’re more familiar with the subject, you can make a more informed decision when it comes to using reach trucks vs. counterbalance forklift trucks in your facility. Once you find the best forklift for your needs, you can properly train your employees to operate it. At First Quality Forklift Training, we offer comprehensive kits for activities such as counterbalance lift truck training to help employees earn certification. After you choose a truck and your team goes through training, you’ll be ready to put those forklifts to work with safe, efficient practices.