Differences Between Counter Balance Forklift vs Reach Truck?

Have you been deliberating renting a forklift for your construction site but find yourself stuck in between choosing a counterbalance forklift or a reach forklift? Are you unsure of which is the more appropriate material handling solution? 

There are varying differences between the two appliances, but they both provide benefits to your operation in their own way. Whether be it a forklift for everyday use that you would expect to see on the warehouse floor or an apparatus utilized for the most unique situations, counterbalance and reach truck forklifts are sophisticated pieces of machinery each with their own optimal environments for deployment at the construction site. 

Learn the 6 Important Tips to rent the right forklift?

What are the differences between Counter Balance Forklift and Reach Truck?

Here is the infographic on the differences between the two breeds of forklift trucks for ease of understanding:

What are the differences between a Reach Truck and a Counter Balance Forklift? 

1. Lifting Height

Reach usually design for much greater lifting height compare to counterbalance forklift, It perfectly fits into warehousing to reach rack at a greater height up to as high as 10m. Meanwhile, a counterbalance forklift design for lower height usage, usually around 5m maximum.

2. Lifting Capacity

Reach trucks usually have standard lift capacities up to a maximum of around 3 Ton, depending on the model. Since it's mainly meant for warehousing use, capacity seems not a key need. However, you can easily see counterbalance of forklifts with lifting capacity from 1.5T up to 20T.

3. Manoeuvrability

Since forklifts are bigger in size than reach trucks, they’re usually the better option for bigger facilities with a storage height of 6 meters. In narrow aisles for smaller vehicles, reach trucks forklifts can be easily operated in limited spaces. Reach trucks allow a warehouse to maximize space by placing storage racks closer together.

4. Working Condition

Counterbalance forklifts can operate in either indoor or outdoor environments. When outdoor use is necessary, such as in a loading dock, construction site, or supply yard, an internal combustion forklift is the best option. It can handle uneven terrain and safely operate in the rain. Electric models can also work outdoors as long as conditions not harsh. Whereas for reach truck forklift, it is designed only for indoor environment.

5. Body Size

Counterbalance forklift has a bigger body size as compared to reach truck forklift because of its mechanism to balance the weight by a counterweight. Whereas reach truck balance with long stabilizing front leg without big counterweight needed.

6. Power and Fuel Source

While all reach trucks operate on a 36-volt electric battery, you will have flexibility in power sources with a forklift. You can choose either diesel or an electric battery as your fuel source for a counterbalance forklift.

7. Load Offset Mechanism

The counterbalance forklift vehicle features a large counterweight placed at the back of the truck to offset the load being lifted towards the front. Meanwhile, for the reach truck forklift, it is technically a specialized type of forklift. It builds on the fork lifting design, extending its reach to higher heights with stabilizing legs to support its loads.

Conclusion

Each of these vehicles has its own unique design and skill set. For intricate indoor operations, reach forklift trucks can provide drivers with another set of eyes when they are handling a robust inventory. Counterbalance forklifts are a traditional solution to tackle much material handling scenarios and situations. They can weather any environment and derive fuel from multiple sources, but they do not have the unique capacities that reach forklifts do. After learning about each of these appliances and their uses, it is essential to sit down and reflect. 

If you have more queries on counterbalance forklift or reach truck, why not give us a call or ping us via WhatsApp @ 8831 3875 and we can advise you further. Check the rental rate and rent it in just a few clicks via antbuildz.com.