When Is It Better to Use a Reach Truck vs a Forklift?

In Australia, there are two main types of forklifts that are used in different industries — the rough terrain forklift and the reach truck. Both have their advantages and disadvantages that make them better suited for certain tasks over the other.

 

What is a Rough Terrain Forklift vs What is a Reach Truck?

Rough terrain forklifts operate in a wider range of environments than reach trucks. They are designed for outdoor use and can travel over uneven and rough terrain, making them ideal for construction sites, farming, landscaping and other off-road applications. They typically have a higher ground clearance and a smaller turning radius for a larger machine, which gives them greater manoeuvrability.

Reach trucks, on the other hand, are designed for indoor use and have a narrower turning radius, making them ideal for working in confined spaces such as warehouses. They can also lift heavier loads, making them better suited for applications where lifting capacity is more important than manoeuvrability.

 

When Should You Use a Rough Terrain Forklift?

Rough terrain forklifts are best suited for tasks that require lifting in outdoor or off-road environments. They can also be used in indoor applications where space is not a concern and lifting capacity is more important than manoeuvrability.

Some examples of when you would use a rough terrain forklift include:

  • Construction sites
  • Farms
  • Landscaping
  • Outdoor events

 

When Should You Use a Reach Truck?

Reach trucks are best suited for tasks that require lifting in indoor or tight spaces. They can also be used in outdoor applications where space is not a concern, so long as terrain is manageable, and lifting capacity is more important than manoeuvrability.

Some examples of when you would use a reach truck include:

 

  • Warehouses
  • Factories
  • Storage facilities
  • Retail stores

 

Which One Is Better: Rough Terrain Forklifts or Reach Trucks?

There is no simple answer to this question as it depends on the specific application and what is more important: manoeuvrability or lifting capacity. In general, rough terrain forklifts are better suited for outdoor applications and reach trucks are better suited for indoor applications.

If you need a forklift that can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications, then a rough terrain reach forklift is the best option as it provides the best of both worlds.

 

What is a Rough Terrain Reach Forklift?

An all-terrain reach forklift or rough terrain reach forklift is a type of fork truck that combines the features of a rough terrain forklift with the features of a reach truck. This offers the benefits of both types of forklifts in one machine, making it the ideal solution for businesses that need a versatile and capable forklift.

It is larger than a typical indoor reach truck and more powerful and versatile than any compact rough terrain fork truck. Some of the advantages of a rough terrain reach forklift include:

 

  • The ability to operate in both indoor and outdoor environments
  • A smaller turning radius than a rough terrain forklift
  • The ability to lift heavier loads than a reach truck
  • Greater manoeuvrability than a reach truck

 

If your business requires a versatile and capable forklift that can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications, then a rough terrain reach forklift is your best option towards operational efficiency.

Discover which rough terrain forklift can best meet your business needs. Call us today!