Reach trucks are versatile machines designed to execute an array of warehouse tasks. Their narrow chassis and ability to reach great heights make them essential companions for your material handling operations.
Read on to discover three key benefits of reach trucks, and to learn about TCM’s range of electric reach trucks.
3 reasons why electric reach trucks are the ultimate warehouse companion
1. Electric reach trucks reduce TCO
Total cost of operation (TCO) is one of the most important things to consider in the world of material handling. Every action that’s made contributes to your TCO, and investing in the right equipment is a surefire way to ensure you’re working as efficiently as possible.
As we’ve touched on above, electric reach trucks are designed with narrow bodies to easily manoeuvre warehouse aisles, and they can reach higher shelving in ways that other forklifts can’t. This ability to efficiently navigate warehouse aisles and shelves work to increase uptime and reduce your TCO.
When in operation, reach trucks don’t give off the same noise and fumes as internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks. The less noise and toxic fumes your vehicles emit, the more comfortable your warehouse operators will be. As well as creating more comfortable working environments, quieter machines also reduce the risk of injuries. Loud noises and an uncomfortable working environment can cause headaches, stress, and fatigue. And long-term exposure to harsh noises can lead to hearing damage or loss.
By reducing the noise in your warehouse, surrounding pedestrians will be able to hear important sounds within the working space, such as alarms, machinery, or co-workers' communications, enhancing the rate of work.
Download this comprehensive guide to discover the key areas you must evaluate to reduce your TCO and improve the profitability of your forklift fleet.
It’s not just the working conditions that contribute to your TCO. The financial side of material handling operations must be considered. Li-Ion batteries cost more initially, but they are cheaper in the long run. They can be opportunity charged which increases uptime, and, compared to ICE forklift trucks, electric forklifts have fewer parts, meaning they require less maintenance and servicing. Li-Ion batteries also don’t require a separate charging station in the same way that lead-acid batteries do.
This all increases your productivity whilst also ensuring you have extra ROI to invest in other activities to enhance your operations.
Related read: How to Future-Proof Your Material Handling Operations
2. Electric reach trucks enhance productivity
TCM’s electric reach trucks are ergonomically designed, ensuring those operating the vehicles are working with maximum comfort and safety, which increases efficiency and productivity.
The Dynamic Cornering Control (DCC) system is standard on TCM reach forklifts. This means that a high drive speed can be maintained, but the speed is automatically reduced when cornering to improve operator safety. This is especially useful if the operator needs to respond quickly to avoid another truck, warehouse goods, or pedestrians.
Related read: How to Choose Material Handling Equipment
As the name suggests, reach trucks can access greater heights, enabling them to access higher shelves in your warehouse. Most warehouses utilise vertical space which means vehicles need to access high-racking systems. Reach trucks enable operators to quickly and efficiently access the goods stored within the vertical space, enhancing productivity.
These trucks are built to be able to easily manoeuvre the narrow aisles of a warehouse. Their ability to work in tight spaces means that they can easily access inventory whilst not taking up much space.
With a variety of models and lift capacities, our reach trucks enable you to choose the right model for your business, your process and your operators. Download our reach trucks brochure here to learn the key features and benefits of TCM reach trucks, as well as product specifications.
3. Electric reach trucks are sustainable
Electric reach trucks utilise lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery technology, meaning they produce zero emissions. Opting for this type of green technology significantly reduces your carbon footprint. Not only that, Li-Ion batteries are 30% more energy-efficient and have a three to four-times longer lifespan than other battery types.
Related read: Key Features and Benefits of Lithium-Ion Battery Technology
With the ban on petrol and diesel engines set to come into effect by 2030, businesses are investing in electric-powered vehicles, with the market growing by 8% per annum. This shift towards electric is not only better for the environment but also creates a healthier working space for your warehouse operators.
Working with electric reach trucks means no exhaust fumes or toxic gases - meaning no need to ventilate your warehouse, which reduces heating and cooling costs. They also require little maintenance and operate with high efficiency, reducing your overall operating costs and ensuring maximum uptime.
Is your business ready for 2030? Learn the steps you need to take to prepare with this free electrification readiness checklist.
TCM’s range of electric reach trucks
In today's demanding material handling environments, where technology is essential in daily operations, our TCM reach trucks are designed to provide our customers with the most reliable and efficient service possible
TCM's reach truck range includes the RTL/RTN, RTM/RTH/RTX, RTF
- PRO: for advanced drivers in intensive operation.
- PRO: for advanced drivers in intensive operation.
- PRO: for advanced drivers in intensive operation.
- ECO: optimised settings for lowest energy consumption combined with high productivity.
- EASY: perfect for sensitive goods handling or beginner mode (with a maximum drive speed of 8 km/h, softer braking and slower acceleration).
RTL & RTN: Narrow Chassis Reach Truck
Designed to perform almost any heavy-duty 24/7 material handling task, the TCM RTN and RTL are universal reach trucks for those requiring a smaller footprint. Everything about the TCM reach truck – from ergonomics to performance – is about productivity.
Features including TCM's unique mini steering wheel with floating armrest, the multi-adaptable operator's environment, intuitive controls, and superior visibility put the operator in control to maximise efficiency and safety.
RTM, RTH, RTX: New Generation Reach Truck
The versatile RTM will perform effortlessly in your intensive operations – perfect for internal transport and stacking up to 2,000 kg. For even tougher tasks, with a lift height of up to 11.5 metres or loads up to 2,500 kg, the robust RTH will be the best choice.
If your operations include hi-rack warehousing up to 12.1 metres, you'll find an excellent partner in the extremely stable and high-stacking RTX. Each model will perform in almost any environment, including cold stores. This series of reach trucks is also the most intuitively designed.
RTF: Four-Way Directional Reach Truck
The RTF offers flexible handling of long and bulky goods or pallet loads. With superior ergonomics and comfort, the RTF multi-directional reach truck can be driven in all directions with precision, with a lifting height of up to 9.7 m and an aisle width that can be cut to 2.3 – 3 metres.
The truck can be driven in all directions with precision and the aisle width can be cut to 2.3–3 metres. With superior acceleration, a top speed of 13 km/h and high battery capacity, the truck can be driven intensively with maximum efficiency. Excellent all-round visibility makes the operator even more productive thanks to the ProVision design with an angled frame in the overhead guard, clear view mast and a high seating position.
Related read: How TCM Reach Truck Forklifts Enhance Operator Comfort and Safety
RTS: Man-Down VNA
Whilst the RTS is based on the same chassis and platform as the other reach trucks discussed, it is not technically classed as a reach truck.
Nevertheless, the RTS forklift utilises many similar components to our reach truck range. The RTS is our solution to the problems created by narrow-aisle design in modern warehouses. Its slim profile and rotating forks allow operators to manoeuvre fully in very tight environments and it is the perfect truck when working alongside our high-level order picker range. It enjoys the smallest transfer aisle in the industry - 3.7m - and can lift to a full 10.3m
When used with guided aisle systems – either floor-mounted rails or under-floor wire – operators can concentrate entirely on stacking. Loads can be raised as soon as the truck is in the aisle, and performance gains from diagonal lift & travel are typically 15-20% faster than free-range trucks.
Download your free copy of the Warehouse Manager’s Handbook here to:
- Understand the different types of forklift equipment available
- Identify your company’s key objectives and desired approach
- Determine the best-fit financing solution for your needs
- Discover how to improve health and safety in the workplace
- Weigh up the pros and cons of forklift dealers vs. manufacturers
• Understand the different types of forklift equipment available
• Identify your company’s key objectives and desired approach
• Determine the best-fit financing solution for your needs
• Discover how to improve health and safety in the workplace
• Weigh up the pros and cons of forklift dealers vs. manufacturers
Alternatively, get in touch with us here if you’re interested in learning more or investing in reach trucks.
